Bright sunshine and warm temperatures invite to outdoor activities. Ironically, it can happen that agonizing headaches spoil the good mood.
Photo: FotoLyriX, fotolia
It is not uncommon for the summer heat and humid climate to cause headaches in the months from June to August. Researchers at Harvard University in Boston found that rising five degrees Celsius increases the risk of headaches by 7.5 percent. A drop in air pressure also leads to complaints. High ozone levels of more than 150 μg / cbm air can also affect the well-being. 10 to 20% of the population respond to this with headaches and symptoms such as dizziness and limited physical performance.
"If the Federal Environmental Agency issues ozone warnings, stop the car and avoid spending too much time on busy roads in the inner cities, " advises Dr. Konrad Luckner, Chief Physician of the Department of Neurology at Buchholz Hospital. "Besides, you should avoid physical exertion." Another possible cause of summer headaches are changes in the biorhythm. The longer sunshine duration changes the release of nerve signal substances and hormones. No wonder, even if the head gets confused and sends alarm signals. Furthermore, there is an increased excretion of liquid due to the heat. In the process, minerals are lost to the body. Together, this leads to a slower metabolism. The result: toxins are excreted too slowly. Even the brain can swell painfully. Proper hydration prevents summer headache and is also the simplest antidote. "Always drink enough, preferably at least two liters a day, " Dr. Luckner. This is how the circulation and metabolism get going again.
