Do I Have a Dehydration Headache? Signs, Treatment and Prevention

Dealing with a dehydration headache? Here's how to identify, treat and prevent one.

Headaches are extremely common: research suggests that 9 out of every 10 people worldwide will experience one at some point, and they can be caused by any number of factors, from medication to health conditions.

One lesser-known cause of headaches is dehydration. While there isn't an abundance of research on dehydration headaches, available studies indicate that lack of water can trigger head pain. They also suggest that dehydration can exacerbate other conditions, like high blood pressure or migraines, which can trigger headaches as well.

Luckily, dehydration headaches are typically easy to treat. Read on to learn about signs of dehydration headaches to look out for, along with treatment and prevention methods. We'll also discuss when to seek medical advice.

The relationship between dehydration and headaches

Dehydration occurs when your body is losing fluids and not replenishing them quickly enough. You can lose these fluids by sweating too much, not drinking enough water, labored breathing or frequent urination and/or diarrhea. This disrupts the balance of electrolytes (essential minerals that help regulate many bodily functions) within your body.

Dehydration affects your blood pressure, since the lack of fluids can reduce the volume of blood in your body. Both low blood pressure and high blood pressure from dehydration can impact blood flow to your brain, causing a headache.

Dehydration can also cause your brain tissue to temporarily shrink from fluid loss. This contraction can cause the brain to pull away from the skull slightly, which can lead to a headache as well.

There are also many common medications that can cause dehydration, and which may trigger dehydration headaches as a result. These include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription laxatives
• Oral type 2 diabetes medications, such as canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance)
• OTC headache and migraine medications with caffeine, such as Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Tension Headache
• Diuretics, such as Furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide (Bumex)
• Lithium (Lithobid)

Signs of a dehydration headache

Identifying a dehydration headache involves recognizing both headache symptoms and signs of dehydration.

Common symptoms of dehydration include:

• Extreme thirst
• Dark-colored urine or low urine output
• Dry mouth or sticky mouth
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Increased heart rate
• Hunger

Specific signs of a dehydration headache may include:

• Pain on both sides of the head
• Pain that is limited to your head (not your neck, back or shoulders)
• Throbbing or pulsating head pain
• Worsening headache pain with physical activity
• Head pain along with symptoms of dehydration
• Relief after drinking fluids

How to treat a dehydration headache

Most dehydration headaches can be resolved within a few hours by drinking water, taking OTC pain medication and other at-home remedies. Treatment options for dehydration headache pain relief include:

• Hydrating with fluids: Start with small sips of water and gradually increase your intake to avoid upsetting your stomach. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as these can make your headache symptoms worse.
• Electrolyte drinks: Electrolyte drinks or sports drinks can help replenish lost electrolytes. However, sugar can cause or worsen a headache, so opt for a non-sugary option if possible.
• OTC pain relievers: Acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen can provide headache relief while you rehydrate. However, it’s important to take these medications with plenty of water - taking NSAIDs while dehydrated can put a serious strain on your kidneys.
• Resting: Rest in a cool, dark room can help to alleviate symptoms.
• Intravenous (IV) rehydration: In cases of severe dehydration, medical professionals might administer fluids via an IV.

Tips for preventing a dehydration headache

Preventing dehydration headaches involves maintaining proper hydration, especially in warmer weather or during periods of physical activity. Here are some effective ways to prevent a dehydration headache:

• Drink plenty of water: The National Academy of Medicine recommends drinking about 9 cups (72 oz) of water per day for adult women, and 13 cups (104 oz) per day for adult men. Keeping a water bottle on hand during the day can help you stay on track of your hydration.
• Monitor urine color: Aim for light-colored urine, which indicates proper hydration.
• Increase fluid intake in hot weather: Warm climates increase the risk of dehydration, so drink more water during hot weather.
• Increase fluid intake during physical activity: Drink more water if you’re working out or exercising to compensate for fluid loss through sweat.
• Eat hydrating foods: Fruits and vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers and watermelon, can contribute to your overall fluid intake.
• Avoid diuretic foods and beverages: Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, have diuretic properties and can cause dehydration as a result.

When to talk to a doctor

Dehydration headaches typically don’t require medical attention. However, if your dehydration headache hasn’t improved with at-home treatments, or if your headaches are interfering with daily life, it may be time to talk with a healthcare provider. Other health conditions or headache disorders might be contributing to your symptoms, and a healthcare provider can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

You should call your provider right away if you or a loved one is exhibiting severe dehydration symptoms, such as confusion, fainting, dark urine, fast breathing or an increased heart rate and low blood pressure.

How Sesame can help

If you’re suffering from frequent headaches, consider booking a same-day telehealth appointment with a provider on Sesame! You can chat with your provider about your symptoms and discuss treatment options. No hassle, no hidden fees and no headaches - literally.