Reactive Headaches
Reactive headaches are those triggered by a “reaction” to something in your environment or your life. Reactive headaches can be caused by literally hundreds of factors, ranging from allergens, such as dust and mold, to kidney failure and brain tumors.
Help for Reactive Headache Sufferers
Perhaps the best solution for reactive headache sufferers is to identify and, if possible, avoid or eliminate whatever triggers the headache. A visit to your physician to rule out the more serious causes of reactive headaches is in order. You also may want to keep track of headache triggers in your Personal Headache Journal. If your headaches seem to be triggered by an allergic reaction, consider seeking help from a medical professional, such an allergist, who specializes in identifying and treating allergic reactions.
You may have a reactive headache if you experience the following symptoms. (Chances are you will not experience all, or even most, reactive headache characteristics.)
Key Reactive Headache Characteristics:
- May be a part of an allergic response to dust, pollens, animal dander, household chemicals, medication, or other external substances.
- Goes away when the headache factor (dust, pollen, etc.) is not present.