Summarize this article in one sentence.
There are many different types of headaches, and finding out which kind you're suffering from can help you choose the best way to treat or minimize it. Think about the severity and duration of your headaches as well as where you feel the pain to find out what kind you have. Some common types of headaches include: Tension headaches: These are characterized by mild to moderate pain throughout the head, typically in the forehead or back of the head. Tension headaches typically last for several hours. Sinus headaches: These bring pain that stems in the face at the bridge of the nose or cheeks. They often come with nasal congestion. Sinus headaches generally last for hours and are often seasonal. Migraines: Migraines involve moderate to severe pain and are often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain may be centered in the temples, eyes, or the back of the head. They often last a day or longer. Cluster headaches: This type involves sharp pain around one eye or one side of your head. Bouts of frequent cluster headaches can last weeks or months. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and can last for hours or even days. A tension headache tends to form as a result of muscle contraction and is commonly felt like a band behind the eyes and across the forehead. A headache may be dull or recurrent if the source is not dealt with, and can be accompanied by feeling generally unwell, especially if the sufferer also has anxiety or depression. This type of headache tends to respond well to painkillers, rest, and alleviation of the source of stress. Massage, acupuncture, yoga, and relaxation therapies are good ways of preventing tension headaches. "Talk therapy," where you work on your anxiety and stress with a mental health professional, can also help prevent and reduce tension headaches. Migraines cause throbbing pain accompanied by severe nausea and possible vomiting. There are sometimes visual symptoms, referred to as "aura," such as seeing stars, flickering objects, and even partial loss of vision. Exercising for at least 30 minutes 2-3 times a week can improve your overall health, as well as your cardiovascular health, which can help prevent migraines. Migraines may be genetically linked, although researchers are not certain exactly what causes migraines. Some migraines also cause numbness or weakness. Migraines can be caused by reactions to food, stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, medications, or other unknown triggers. Migraines require special medical attention If you frequently experience them, see a doctor. Aerobic exercise can help you prevent migraine headaches by reducing tension in your body. Obesity may also be a migraine trigger, so exercise can also help prevent migraines by helping you stay at or reach a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced diet can also help reduce your migraines. Cluster headaches are one of the most painful headaches, with intense pain around your eye area usually on one side of your head. They can also involve drooping eyelids, nasal discharge and watery eyes. Avoiding alcohol and nicotine can help reduce your risk of future cluster headaches, although it may not have any effect on your pain while a cluster headache is occurring. If this type of head pain is occurring, take it seriously and see your doctor for advice and treatment. There are some drugs and treatments that can alleviate the symptoms. Oxygen therapy, where you breath in oxygen through a mask, has proven especially helpful for cluster headaches. The medication overuse headache (MOH), or "rebound headache", stems from withdrawal symptoms from the long-term use of pain relief medication, usually to relieve tension headaches. The symptoms of an MOH headache are often similar to those of tension headaches, and in most cases, just stop using the medication and your headaches should stop within a few days. Avoid using headache painkillers, even over-the-counter types, for more than 2 or 3 days per week. If your symptoms are severe enough to require more frequent medication, see a doctor. Avoid painkillers that contain opioids such as codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone. Hangover headaches are very common after a night of drinking and they usually go away within 24 hours. Symptoms include throbbing pain, nausea, and feeling generally lousy. Drink plenty of water and avoid bright lights to make your symptoms less severe. The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover headache is not to drink, but staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help you avoid the pain of an alcohol-induced headache the next day. Other liquids, including sports drinks or even broth, can also be helpful. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which both dehydrate you. Allergies and sensitivities can cause nasty headaches that often include a runny nose, watery eyes, and an itching or burning sensation as well as headache pain. Some allergies are seasonal, such as pollen allergies, and can be treated with antihistamines. You might also have a food allergy or sensitivity, which can trigger headaches. Try to avoid the things that trigger your headaches. If you have frequent headaches with symptoms like itching or watery eyes, consider having an allergy skin test done by a medical professional. These tests expose you to a variety of allergy triggers and can help determine whether your headaches are caused by things you're exposed to.
Determine what type of headache you have so you can manage it. Prevent a tension headache by reducing stress. Reduce the severity of migraines with regular exercise. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to help manage cluster headaches. Monitor your medications to prevent a medication overuse headache. Stay hydrated to minimize a hangover headache. Avoid food and allergens that can trigger a headache.