What should you know about persistent minor headache?

Head pain may feel like pressure, a tight band, or a steady ache rather than a severe attack. Common contributors include missed meals, too little fluid, poor sleep, prolonged screen use, neck tension, or frequent use of pain medicine. A blocked or inflamed nose can add pressure around the face. Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis, Common Cold, COVID-19, Dehydration, Dengue Fever, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Heat Exhaustion are among conditions a clinician may consider alongside your symptoms.

The location, timing, triggers, associated symptoms, and response to simple measures help distinguish patterns. A headache that is new, steadily worsening, repeatedly returning, or interfering with normal activity should not be self-diagnosed from the symptom alone.

Write down when the headache starts, where it is, how long it lasts, sleep and meals around it, fluid intake, screen time, medicines taken, and symptoms such as nausea, fever, nasal blockage, or light sensitivity. Drink fluids, eat regular meals, rest your eyes, adjust your screen position, and gently relax your neck and shoulders. Use medicines only as directed on the label or by a clinician; repeated use can itself maintain headaches. Book a GP assessment if the pattern persists, keeps returning, or needs frequent medicine.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe drowsiness, new vision loss, stiff neck with fever, or repeated vomiting. Get prompt medical advice for a headache after a head injury, during pregnancy or soon after birth, with a high fever, or with a new rash. Do not wait for a routine appointment if the pain is rapidly worsening or feels distinctly different from previous headaches.

Could my medicines, sleep, eyesight, neck tension, hydration, or nasal symptoms be contributing? What examination or tests are appropriate for this pattern? How often can I use a pain reliever safely? Which changes should make me seek urgent help?