Ellen Campbell-Grizzle
ALMOST EVERYONE has had a headache at some time in his or her life. Substances contained in the diet and medication are among the most-frequently cited triggers of a headache.
Other factors include anxiety, glare, noise, and anger, emotions, eating and sleeping patterns, diet, environmental factors, hormones and physical exertion.
High doses of vitamins, such as vitamin A and niacin, can cause a headache. Persons who overuse over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen may experience analgesic rebound pain that worsens or perpetuates the headache.
It is well known that certain substances provoke the release of the neurotransmitters implicated in causing headaches. Tyramine is a chief culprit and is well known to influence the release of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Tyramine, a member of the amine group of organic chemicals, is found in chocolate, aged cheese, vinegar, organ meats (kidney, liver), alcohol (especially red wine), sour cream, soy sauce, yoghurt and yeast extracts.
Agents ranging from nitrites, commonly used as preservatives in smoked fish, bacon, sausages and frankfurters, to monosodium glutamate, a popular food additive, may also cause headache pain. It is good advice to ask your pharmacist about potential interaction between your diet and your medication choice.
THE LINK BETWEEN WATER AND HEADACHE
Simple dehydration is a major cause of headaches, particularly among migraineurs. The infamous hangover headache can be caused by dehydration linked to excessive alcoholic intake. Rigorous sporting activities and illnesses with fever and diarrhoea that result in excessive water loss are other leading offenders.
MEDICATION - FRIEND OR FOE?
Some medicines may actually trigger headaches. This group includes:
Nitroglycerin
Some medication for high blood
pressure
Medication used to dilate blood vessels
Medication used to treat ulcers
Anti-seizure drugs
Oral contraceptives may cause headaches or make them worse. Most women who take the pill are in the age range for headache onset and, therefore, oral contraceptives might be 'guilty by association'. On the other hand, the hormones in the various formulations might trigger headaches. Do not stop taking any of these medicines on your own. Your doctor or pharmacists can guide you about switching to non-headache-provoking drugs.
CAFFEINE HEADACHES
Caffeine is used as an ingredient in most pain relievers to enhance intestinal absorption. However, this drug will cause headaches in sensitive people or in those who overindulge. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the heart, lungs, blood vessels, muscles, stomach, kidney and overall metabolism. Drinking eight to 10 cups of brewed coffee (1 gram of caffeine) in a row can endanger your health. Caffeine withdrawal starts eight to 16 hours after the last ingestion, which explains why frequent caffeine drinkers get their headache toward the end of a workday or on rising in the morning. Caffeine headaches cause fatigue, grogginess, clouded thinking and throbbing pain.
Today, the recurring headache is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical care. If you suffer from chronic headaches, visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Chronic headaches can be a symptom of a serious underlying illness.
Remember, your mind does influence the biological mechanisms of the body. Sometimes, emotional distress is the root cause of the vulnerability of your body's 'anti-pain' system. Recognise the things that trigger your headache and avoid them. Also, make time to relax and replenish your body's natural defences.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information and Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
