How To Manage Repeated Headaches In Children

Causes

Children can develop a headache for many reasons. An illness or infection, such as the common cold, the flu, or an ear infection can cause one. Head injuries, including a large bump on the head, may also be responsible. Emotional children, especially teenagers, who are going through stress may develop a headache more frequently. In addition, children who are depressed or who have a family history of headaches may also experience a headache more frequently than others. Furthermore, certain foods and drinks can be triggers for a headache, such as foods containing nitrates, MSG (monosodium glutamate), or caffeine. With caffeine, headaches typically occur when an individual goes through withdrawal when they don't drink anything with caffeine or suddenly drop their intake a decent amount.

Treatment

Treatment for a child’s headache depends on the type of headache they have, and preventing a child from getting a headache in the first place is ideal. Start by keeping a headache diary to track potential triggers, including certain foods and stressors at school. Make sure the child is well rested by talking to a pediatrician about how many hours of sleep they need a day. Also be sure the child stays hydrated by drinking lots of water in place of soda and other sugary beverages.