Does your head always hurt before a rainstorm strikes or when you board an airplane? If so, the headache is most likely caused by barometric pressure. Although this type of headache is caused by changes in air pressure, you can actually treat it like any other type of headache. In other words, you can still treat it by taking over-the-counter medications or using natural pain relievers. To prevent headaches from recurring, increase your awareness of changes in air pressure and make the necessary simple life changes.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Over-the-counter and Natural Medicines
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a headache due to barometric pressure
Chances are, headache symptoms will appear up to two days before the weather changes. For example, you may notice pain in your temples, forehead, or back of your head. Other symptoms that may accompany a barometric pressure headache include:
- Nauseous
- Stomach disturbances such as diarrhea or vomiting
- Depression
- Sensitivity to light
- Numbness or tingling in the face or one side of the body
- Intense and stabbing pain
Step 2. Try taking over-the-counter medications at the pharmacy
If you want, you can buy several types of medicine from the nearest pharmacy to treat headaches due to barometric pressure. In particular, try buying nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In addition, you can also buy over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen.
- Follow the dosage instructions listed on the medicine package.
- To treat migraines due to barometric pressure, try taking over-the-counter medications that are specifically designed to treat migraines. Generally, migraines begin with an aura phase and cause intense, stabbing pain.
Step 3. Apply an analgesic product on the painful area
Since a very intense headache can slow down digestion, it's likely that it will take the body longer to feel the effects than ibuprofen or aspirin. To get a more instant effect, try buying an analgesic product in the form of a cream or gel, then apply the product to the temples, neck, head, or forehead according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging.
- If you want, you can also use a nasal spray that contains capsaicin, as long as its use is adjusted to the instructions for use listed on the medicine package. Research shows that this method can provide instant relief from severe headaches.
- Try buying a natural topical pain reliever, such as a product that contains capsaicin.
Step 4. Take anti-nausea medication
If your headache makes you feel nauseous and has difficulty taking pain medication, try taking a nausea reliever at the same time. Doing so will prevent you from throwing up, so any painkillers can work faster to relieve the pain in your head.
Both types of drugs can be consumed sequentially. For example, take a nausea reliever 15 minutes before taking a pain reliever
Step 5. Perform cranial massage
In other words, try massaging your skull to relax the muscles and improve blood circulation in the area. Regular massage may reduce the frequency of headaches within a week.
If you have a headache from barometric pressure, try a daily cranial massage to ease the intensity
Step 6. Breathe in the peppermint scent
Try pouring a few drops of peppermint oil on your temples and wrists, then live the scent deeply. The aroma of peppermint can also help relieve your headache, you know! In fact, you may notice that the pain intensity will decrease within 15 minutes of using the essential oil.
Step 7. Talk to your doctor if your headache doesn't improve or gets worse
If the headache doesn't go away after taking over-the-counter medications or making lifestyle changes, see a doctor immediately. This step is especially important if the pain is very intense or starts to interfere with your daily activities. Also see a medical professional if you experience:
- Symptoms that are severe or occur seconds after the air pressure changes
- Fever
- Bloody diarrhea
- Loss of memory or vision
- Body that feels weak or numb
Method 2 of 3: Managing Barometric Pressure Headaches at Home
Step 1. Compress your head or neck with a cold pad or ice cubes
To relieve the pain that appears instantly, try wrapping a bag filled with ice cubes with a towel, then attach the towel to the area of the head that hurts. Leave it for 20 minutes.
Reapply the cold compress if your headache comes back
Step 2. Take a shower or bath with warm water
For some people, this activity can relax the body as well as relieve headaches due to the barometric pressure they are experiencing. If you wish, use hot water to allow the steam to escape to help open up your sinus passages.
Take a shower or bath as long as your body is still comfortable
Step 3. Practice deep breathing or apply relaxation techniques.
Allow your body and mind to relax by inhaling slowly through your nose. After taking as many and deep breaths as possible, exhale slowly through your nose. Repeat the process or use another favorite relaxation technique to manage your headache. Some other relaxation techniques you can try are:
- Massage
- Yoga
- Taici
- Walk or swim
- Meditate or do guided imagery techniques
Step 4. Avoid other triggers that can make your headache worse
If you know there are other factors that can make your head hurt worse, try to avoid it while you have a barometric pressure headache so that your condition doesn't get worse. Some common headache triggers are:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Trans fat or saturated fat
- The light is too bright
- Too loud sound
- The scent is too strong
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Headaches Due to Barometric Pressure
Step 1. Eliminate gluten from your daily intake
Undiagnosed celiac disease can also lead to intense headaches or migraines. If you want to know the relevance of your headache to the possibility of having celiac disease, try to see a doctor. If the suspicion of celiac disease turns out to be true, stop eating gluten to minimize the potential for headaches.
Even if you don't have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity can also give you headaches after eating gluten
Step 2. Take B-complex vitamins
B vitamins can help reduce the effects of stress and may prevent headaches. Therefore, try taking a B-complex multivitamin and see if it can reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
Step 3. Purchase a barometer to monitor changes in air pressure around you
Try buying a small barometer that can be installed in your home. Then, use the tool to observe whether or not there is a change in air pressure before the headache starts to attack. In the future, try taking a headache medication when you notice a change in air pressure.
- Look for the barometer app on your phone. The app can alert you when the air pressure starts to increase or decrease.
- If you want, you can also watch the weather forecast regularly to predict potential changes in air pressure.
Step 4. Drink more water
Since dehydration is the most common headache trigger, one of the keys to dealing with headaches is to stay hydrated. In general, men should consume 3.5 liters of water, while women should consume 2.6 liters of water per day.
Hydrating your body is a very important step to take if you realize that your headache is triggered by increased humidity
Step 5. Eat foods rich in magnesium
Magnesium can relax muscles so it can treat and prevent headaches. If you know the weather will change, immediately consume foods that contain magnesium or magnesium supplements to block pain receptors and prevent constriction of blood vessels in the brain. Before taking supplements (usually magnesium citrate supplements with a dose of 400-500 mg), make sure you always consult with your doctor. To increase your magnesium intake naturally, try to increase your consumption of:
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Fish
- Soybeans
- Avocado
- Banana
Step 6. Avoid excessive glare or sudden changes in lighting
If you notice that too bright light, too much glare, or sensitivity to fluorescent light triggers your headaches, try paying more attention to changes in the weather. For example, if the weather is forecast to be sunny that day, prepare yourself by taking drugs, staying indoors, or wearing sunglasses.
