Headaches are one of the most common health problems that people experience. In fact, almost everyone will have a headache at some point in their lives.

While most headaches are harmless and go away on their own, some people may experience persistent headaches that are not relieved with over-the-counter medication.

In this article, we will discuss possible underlying illnesses that can cause persistent headaches and what you can do to get relief.

Migraines

Migraines are a type of headache that can be debilitating for some people. They typically cause a throbbing or pulsing pain in one side of the head and can last for hours or even days.

Other symptoms of migraines include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.

If you are experiencing migraines, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help prevent migraines, as well as medications to relieve symptoms when a migraine occurs.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are another type of headache that can be very painful. They typically occur on one side of the head and may be accompanied by tearing, redness, and swelling in the eye on the affected side.

Cluster headaches often occur in cycles, with periods of frequent headaches followed by periods of remission.

If you are experiencing cluster headaches, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help prevent cluster headaches, as well as medications to relieve symptoms when a cluster headache occurs.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress or tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. They typically cause a dull, achy pain that feels like a tight band around the head.

If you are experiencing tension headaches, there are several things you can do to get relief.

Some of these include practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, getting regular exercise, improving your posture, and avoiding triggers that may cause your headaches to occur, such as certain foods or activities.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation in the sinus cavities, which can lead to pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. They may also be accompanied by congestion and a runny nose.

If you are experiencing sinus headaches, there are several things you can do to get relief.

Some of these include using a steam inhaler to help open up your sinuses, taking over-the-counter decongestants, and using saline nasal sprays to help moisturize and clear out your nasal passages.

Brain Tumors

While brain tumors are a rare cause of persistent headaches, they can still occur.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches that are not relieved by over-the-counter medication or other remedies, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider may recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to help diagnose a brain tumor.

If a brain tumor is present, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis is a condition that occurs when the arteries in the head and neck become inflamed, which can cause persistent headaches, as well as other symptoms such as jaw pain, vision loss, and fever.

This condition is more common in people over the age of 50.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches and other symptoms of temporal arteritis, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, which can cause headaches upon waking. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches and other symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study to help diagnose sleep apnea, as well as medications or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help relieve symptoms.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause persistent headaches in some people. Other symptoms of hypertension may include fatigue, dizziness, and nosebleeds.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches and other symptoms of hypertension, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as medications to help lower your blood pressure.

Allergies

Allergies can cause persistent headaches in some people, especially when they are accompanied by congestion and other sinus symptoms.

Allergic reactions can be triggered by a variety of substances, including pollen, dust mites, and certain foods or medications.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches and other symptoms of allergies, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help relieve your symptoms, as well as allergy shots to help desensitize you to specific allergens.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are two mental health conditions that can cause persistent headaches in some people. These conditions may also cause other symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite or mood.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches and other symptoms of anxiety or depression, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend medications, therapy, or a combination of both to help treat your symptoms.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing persistent headaches that are not relieved with over-the-counter medication or other remedies, it is important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.

There are many possible underlying illnesses that can cause persistent headaches, and getting an accurate diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment and finding relief.