According to the World Health Organization, 50% to 75% of people worldwide have experienced a headache over the last year. Headaches are one of the most common nervous system-related disorders for those aged 18-65.
There are various reasons for people to complain of a headache, including the onset of seasonal or recurrent year-round allergies.
At Getwell Urgent Care, we believe an informed patient is the best tool we can have for the overall health and wellbeing of all. If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening headaches, it may be time to seek medical care. Our urgent care facility is open seven days a week to diagnose and treat you for headaches; just walk in when you need to be seen.
What is a headache?
A headache is a painful feeling in the head, face, or neck that can range from dull to sharp depending on the reason you are experiencing it and the severity of your symptoms.
Most headaches are caused by an increased sensation in the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles of the head and neck.
There are six common types of headaches that affect most people, including:
- Migraines
- Tension headaches
- Cluster headaches
- Medication-overuse headaches
- Post-traumatic headache
- Sinus headache
Can allergies cause headaches?
Yes, allergies are a common cause of nonlife-threatening headaches. They often occur when a person is experiencing a flare-up in their seasonal or year-round allergies. Often categorized as sinus headaches, those caused by allergies cause pain in the forehead, cheekbones and nasal cavity.
The most common type of allergy-related headache accompanies rhinitis, more commonly known as “hay fever,” an allergic response to allergens like pollen, dust or pet dander. Additional symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes may accompany your headache.
An over-the-counter pain reliever or allergen reducer are the best treatment options to reduce allergy-related headaches quickly. If your headache does not go away or lasts longer than a day, you should seek further evaluation and treatment at an urgent care facility.
What else can cause a common headache?
Headaches are often caused by issues with no serious underlying condition, such as:
- Lack of sleep
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Stress
- Loud noises
- Tight headwear
- Extended screen time
- Incorrect glasses or contact lens prescription
- Anxiety
In rare cases, headaches are a symptom of an underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention.
When to worry about a headache
If you’re experiencing a headache, and the pain becomes severe, it could indicate a more serious health issue.
You should seek medical care right away if your headache is accompanied by:
- Sharp, intense pain
- A stiff neck
- A fever higher than 102
- Nausea and vomiting
- A nosebleed
- Fainting
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Pressure in the back of your head
- Blurry vision
- Face tingling
- Confusion
- Droopiness on one side of your face
- Weakness on one side of your body
- Slurred or garbled speech
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle or joint pain
- Night sweats
- Seizures
- Facial swelling
- A bump on your head
What causes severe, worrisome headaches?
Severe headaches along with other detrimental symptoms may be a sign of underlying conditions and illnesses, including:
- Severe dehydration
- Tooth or gum infection
- Ear infection
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Meningococcal disease
- A brain tumor, aneurysm or hemorrhage
When to visit Getwell Urgent Care
If your headache symptoms do not improve or worsen rapidly, we encourage you to visit Getwell Urgent Care today for further diagnosis and advanced treatment. Although allergies may cause your headache, it is important to get checked to ensure there is no other illness to be concerned about.
It is critical to be seen if you believe you or a loved one is experiencing a headache due to:
- A stroke
- Concussion
- Severe head trauma
- Heatstroke
- Preeclampsia
Visit Getwell Urgent Care to get the treatment you need for your persistent headache today. Walk-in visits are welcomed every day of the year; don’t delay!