The best ways to get rid of a dehydration headache is by staying hydrated, resting, and taking a pain reliever. Headaches can occur when your body is not getting the necessary nourishment it needs to maintain healthy levels of electrolytes, sodium, chloride, and potassium.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Dehydration Headaches Fast
Drink Plenty of Water
The foolproof method of getting rid of a headache caused by dehydration is by hydrating! Sixteen to 32 ounces is the average amount of water needed to feel hydrated. Begin by taking small sips, and you should begin feeling better in one to two hours.
Drink Fluids That Restore Electrolytes and Carbohydrates
Sports and children’s electrolyte drinks are also recommended to help restore more than just water to your body. These drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates that can help your body feel more nourished than with just water alone.
Pain Relievers and Rest
Taking two pain relievers with a full glass of water and resting can kickstart your recovery. Go to a quiet place or rest your head on your desk if you’re at work or school for 15 minutes or until the medicine starts working.
Symptoms of Dehydration
The symptoms for mild to moderate dehydration can include:
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Excessive sleepiness or tiredness
- Increased thirst
- Decreased urine
- Little to no tears if crying
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Constipation
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you can treat your symptoms by drinking more water or electrolyte-replenishing drinks. However, there are more severe symptoms to pay attention to if you are dehydrated, such as:
- Extreme thirst
- Extreme fussiness, irritability, or confusion
- Excessively dry mouth, skin, or mucous membranes
- Little to no urine
- Sunken eyes
- Shriveled, dry skin
- Sunken fontanels (soft spots on head) in infants
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat and/or breathing
- Fever
- Delirium or unconsciousness
If you or your child experience any of the severe symptoms listed above, visit your nearest FastMed Urgent Care. FastMed is open seven days a week, never requires an appointment, and accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Want more info? Check out the FastMed blog!
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Sources:
The Pain Center: https://www.thepaincenter.com/news/headaches-and-dehydration
VeryWell: https://www.verywell.com/understanding-dehydration-as-a-headache-trigger-1719534
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms/con-20030056
About FastMed
FastMed Urgent Care owns and operates nearly 200 centers in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services 365 days a year. FastMed also provides workers’ compensation and other occupational health services at all its centers, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. FastMed has successfully treated more than six million patients and is the only independent urgent care operator in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information about locations, services, hours of operation, insurance and prices, visit www.fastmed.com.