Expert offers four simple tips to relieve headaches at home

Although headaches can sometimes indicate a more serious problem, there are a lot of obvious reasons that may lead to it.

Although headaches can sometimes indicate a more serious problem, there are a lot of obvious reasons that may lead to it.

Headaches can affect different parts of the head with different strength. Whether you feel pain in your whole head or there is one difficult spot that doesn't budge, one expert recommends simple treatments that can help ease painful signs at home.

Mark Donovan, chief pharmacist at Boots, said: "Headaches are a common problem for most people in their lives. It can often last between 30 minutes and several hours, and can be treated at home. "

Donovan noted: "The most common causes of headaches can include a cold or flu, stress, drinking too much alcohol, eyesight problems, dehydration due to not drinking enough fluids, not eating regular meals, poor seating posture, and regularly taking painkillers for too long and the menstrual cycle or during menopause."

Worse, there are factors that can exacerbate a painful headache, with Donovan saying: "There are many lifestyle causes that can exacerbate headaches including but not limited to stress, poor sleep, dehydration and spending long in front of screens. If headaches cause problems in daily activities, it may be useful to determine whether any of these factors may exacerbate the problem. "

Donovan shared effective treatments that can help alleviate common stubborn headaches:

- Stress Management

The expert explained: "Learn how to manage and reduce stress and take time to relax, because stress can make headaches worse."

- Good hydration

Making sure you drink enough water can help avoid headaches because lack of fluid can lead to the problem.

However, there is no need to overwater at the same time.

- Moderate painkillers

"Take mild painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it's right for you," Donovan said.

- Getting enough rest if you have flu or a cold.

If headaches are accompanied by other symptoms indicating influenza or a cold, it is worth getting some rest to allow your body to recover.

Can headaches indicate something more serious?

Mr Donovan said: "Persistent or sometimes frequent headaches can be a symptom of a larger health problem, which is why it is important to see a GP if painkillers do not help, or the headaches continue to return or worsen."

• However, you will "often" be able to relieve headaches at home, where stress headaches are a common cause.

• The expert concluded that "stress headaches are the most common type of headache and often result from stress, dehydration, impaired posture or skipping meals.

• Tension headaches can be treated with mild painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, if appropriate for you.

• He explained: "It's also important to make sure you get regular sleep, try to relax to help reduce stress and ensure you stay well hydrated by drinking a lot of water.