What should you know about persistent light headache?

A mild headache may feel like pressure, a band around the head or a steady ache. It can accompany a cold, nasal allergy or sinus inflammation, and may occur with dehydration, heat exposure, poor sleep, skipped meals, screen strain or stress. Generalised anxiety can also increase muscle tension and attention to discomfort. Headache with fever, body aches, cough, diarrhoea or recent heat exposure provides useful context, but the symptom does not by itself identify a condition.

Keep a simple diary of timing, location, severity, sleep, fluids, meals, screen use, medicines and associated symptoms. Note whether activity, light, sound, movement or lying down changes it. Frequent use of pain medicine can itself contribute to recurring headaches, so mention all products you take.

Drink fluids regularly, eat consistent meals, take screen breaks and keep a steady sleep routine. Move to a cool place after heat exposure and rest in a quiet room if needed. Use over-the-counter pain relief only according to its label and your clinician's advice, especially if you are pregnant or have kidney, liver, stomach or bleeding problems. Arrange a review if the headache continues, repeatedly returns or needs frequent medicine.

Get urgent help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, vision loss, stiff neck with fever, repeated vomiting or headache after a significant head injury. Seek prompt care for headache with severe dehydration, high fever, a spreading rash or marked worsening. Do not assume a new pattern is caused by stress or sinus symptoms without assessment.

Ask what headache pattern you have, whether your medicines or blood pressure need review, and whether infection, dehydration, vision strain or anxiety could be contributing. Ask which symptoms should prompt emergency care and how often pain medicine is appropriate.