What Causes Headaches?
Sometimes a headache is just a part of another illness, such as a cold
or flu or strep throat. When you get
better, the headache gets better, too.
If you're not sick, other triggers may cause a headache. For example, staying up
too late, skipping a meal, or playing in the hot sun too long can set off a headache.
Excitement about a special event or worry about something (a school exam, for instance)
can also cause headaches. Some kids get headaches from riding in a car or bus or from
straining their eyes by spending too much time watching TV or using
a computer.
Strong odors, such as perfume,
smoke, fumes, or the smell of a new car or carpet, can start a headache.
Some foods can cause headaches in some kids, such as bacon, bologna, and hot dogs.
The caffeine in sodas, chocolate,
coffee, and tea may cause headaches, too. Kids don't need caffeine, so it's a good
idea to limit it in your diet.
Sometimes no one knows why a kid gets headaches, but if you get them, chances are
someone in your family gets them, too. The tendency to get headaches is often inherited.
In other words, it runs in the family.
Headache Help
Most headaches will go away after you've rested or slept awhile. When you get one,
the first thing you should do is tell an adult, so he or she can help. Lie down in
a cool, dark, quiet room and close your eyes. Put a cool, moist cloth across your
forehead or eyes. Relax. Breathe easily and deeply.
A grown-up can give you a pain relief medicine —
either acetaminophen (say: uh-see-tuh-MIH-nuh-fun) or ibuprofen
(say: i-byoo-PROfun). You want to avoid taking aspirin for a headache because it may
cause a rare but dangerous disease called Reye syndrome (say: RYE
SIN-drome).
When Should I Go to a Doctor?
Headaches are very rarely a sign of anything serious. Headache triggers such as
eating certain foods, being stressed out, or not getting enough sleep are much more
likely causes of headaches in kids. Or sometimes, there's no obvious reason at all.
Still, there are times when your mom or dad should talk with the doctor about your
headaches:
- when a headache is particularly painful
- when a headache doesn't go away easily
- when a headache follows an injury, such as hitting your head
- when your vision is affected
- when you feel tingling sensations
- when you just don't seem like your usual self
- when headaches occur once a month or more
- when headaches cause you to miss school
A doctor can help you and your parents figure out why you're getting headaches
and might be able to help you keep them from happening so often. Sometimes relaxation
exercises or changes in diet or sleeping habits are all that's needed. If necessary,
a doctor also can prescribe medication to control headaches.
If you're bothered by headaches, you don't have to put up with the pain. Sometimes
relief is just a nap away. Other times, seeing a doctor may be necessary. But there's
almost always something that you, your parents, and your doctor can do to help.
Date reviewed: September 2018