Acute headache? It's better not to self-medicate.

Self-medicating for a severe headache may seem like an easy solution, but it can pose significant risks to your health. Here, we explain further.

Headache (or cephalalgia) is a common experience that can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that affects quality of life. When faced with a severe headache, it is natural to seek relief quickly, and often, the first option you consider is self-medication with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, this may not be the safest or most efficient decision in such cases.

While self-medicating may seem like a quick and convenient solution, it is important to understand that headaches may arise from a wide range of causes. Improper treatment can make the problem worse or mask symptoms of a more serious underlying condition.

What should I consider before taking medication?

• Accurate diagnosis: It is crucial that you identify the cause of your headache. While some may be tension or stress-related, others could be indicative of more serious medical conditions such as migraines, high blood pressure or even neurological problems.
• Side effect risks: All medications have potential side effects, and some may interact with other medications you are currently taking. Self-medicating without a full understanding of these risks can be dangerous to your health.
• Masking symptoms: Temporarily relieving pain without addressing the underlying cause, which can lead to a relapse once the medication wears off.
• Development of dependence: Overuse of painkillers can lead to dependence and worsening pain, known as medication-overuse headache.

What to do instead of self-medicating? What is usually recommended is to consult a healthcare professional. A physician can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for your specific type of headache. In addition, you can keep a headache diary to identify patterns and possible triggers such as food, stress, or hormonal changes.

Diet also plays an important role in these cases. A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep can help prevent headaches.

And finally, you can also resort to other alternatives. Techniques such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and meditation often work in these cases. These are some options that can help relieve headache pain without resorting to medication.

Remember, it is critical to seek proper medical care to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment that addresses the underlying cause of your headaches.