Why Kids Get Headaches and How Parents Can Help

Parents tend to become worried when their children complain of a headache. Especially when those children are under twelve years of age. Head aches are thought of as an adult problem. However, children do get head aches too.

Children can get a head ache for many reasons. Some of these reasons require a trip to the doctor, some simply require a children pain reliever. Never use adult pain relievers on children. It is also very important to read all instructions carefully before giving any medication to your child. Here are the most common reasons why children get head aches:

They are sick. Many cold and flu bugs come with a head ache. Children with fevers will also often complain of head aches. If you know your child is not feeling well and then they come down with a headache then the cause is due to the illness. In this case a fever reducer and pain reliever combination medicine such as Tylenol can be used. I must say a call to the doctor first is always best especially when there is also a fever present. Many infections that can be serious also have these symptoms and antibiotics may be needed.

Another reason that children will get head aches is from running around too much. If your child comes to you with complaints of a head ache after they have been fooling around or rough housing for a while then the cause of the head ache is from being over active. A pain reliever and a rest will help.

Another reason why children get head aches is from being around very load noises. When the stereo is blasting or the television volume is way up a head ache can and will probably result. Turn the volume down and offer pain reliever.

Yet another reason why children get head aches is due to being hungry. If a child goes too long with out having a snack or a meal they use up all their energy. When that energy is not replaced by means of a snack or a meal then a head ache will likely result. Offer and snack or a meal, not pain reliever if you suspect this to be the case. If it is, the head ache will magically disappear after the meal or snack does.

Another reason why children get head aches is from stress. Say your child has some state tests coming up, or they are being bullied at school. These things can be stressors for children. Stress causes head aches. If your child is suffering from head aches often and does not seem to be ill and is not missing meals and has not been around loud noises then most likely they are feeling stressed. The cure for a stress head ache is to make the stress go away. Parents should talk with their children and communicate about any problems they may be having if they suspect their children are getting stress head aches. I recommend a trip to a doctor before administering medication for stress headaches.

Children will also get head aches when they are over heated. If your child has been playing outside on a hot day and comes in the house with a head ache that is the reason. Why. This can be a sign of dehydration and can be serious. Offer your child water immediately and have them remove extra layers of clothing. A cool bath or shower can help. If your child's head ache is not gone within twenty minutes to a half an hour after drinking fluids and cooling down a call to the doctor is needed. Children should never be allowed to play outside for long in direct sunlight. Choose to let your children go outside in the mornings or afternoons when the temperatures are milder and the sun is not directly over head.

Lastly, children get head aches when they bump their heads. If the head ache is severe after a bump on the noggin a trip to the emergency room is necessary. There you have it, common reasons why and what to do too! Take care and thanks for reading!