High Humidity and Headaches
The human body is very receptive to environmental factors like the weather. The National Headache Foundation reports that high humidity can trigger headaches. In high relative humidity weather, the air is completely saturated with water vapor, causing many factors in the environment and the body to react in response to the air's inability to evaporate moisture.
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Relative Humidity Triggers Headache
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A 2009 study led by the Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinic and University of Kansas concluded changes in weather, particularly relative humidity, contributed to headache onset in children.
Relationship Between Weather and Headaches
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Alan Rapoport, founder of the New England Center for Headache, states that the relationship between changes in the weather and headaches need more study and that currently, scientists can only speculate that the relationship may be attributed to brain functions.
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Heat Exhaustion
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, heat exhaustion from high humidity can cause headaches due to dehydration.
Molds
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states high indoor humidity creates molds, causing health issues such as headaches, skin irritations and respiratory problems.
Mold Prevention
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Ideal indoor relative humidity should be 60 percent, which can be controlled by air conditioners or dehumidifiers.
Treatment
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The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recommends resting, napping, relaxing, drinking fluids and having a little caffeine to treat headaches.
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References
- Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain; Electronic Momentary Assesment of Weather Changes As a Trigger of Headaches in Children": Electronic Momentary Assessment of Weather Changes as a Trigger of Headaches in Children
- National Institute of Neurological Studies and Stroke"; Headache: Hope Through Research
- EPA: Reducing Humidity
- CNN Health: Sinus Headaches
- Prevent Disease: Weather Conditions Trigger Migraines
Resources
- Photo Credit headache image by Jarek Miarka from Fotolia.com
