Why Drinking Hot Water Causes Headaches: A Neurological Perspective

Q: Why Drinking Hot Water Causes Headaches: A Neurological Perspective

Hello： Generally speaking, drinking cold water is more likely to trigger headaches. <br>The common cause of headaches in this case is that the anterior cerebral arteries rapidly dilate after consuming cold water, allowing a large volume of blood to flow through, which produces pa

Headache after drinking hot water?

I usually don't have the habit of drinking hot water, but recently I've caught a cold and the weather is cold, so I thought drinking some hot water would be more comfortable.
However, right after taking the first sip, I started to have a headache.
Occasionally, I experience headaches when I have a cold, but in the past two days of drinking hot water, I had no headache before drinking it; instead, the headache started afterward.
I would like to know why this is happening.
Thank you, doctor.

Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/09

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Generally speaking, drinking cold water is more likely to trigger headaches.
The common cause of headaches in this case is that the anterior cerebral arteries rapidly dilate after consuming cold water, allowing a large volume of blood to flow through, which produces pain-inducing substances.
When the blood vessels constrict and return to normal, the headache symptoms in the individual also subside.
Regarding your mention of headaches caused by drinking hot water, it may be worth considering that it could be related to sinusitis caused by a cold, which might be triggered by hot water consumption.
However, these hypotheses need to be evaluated alongside physical and neurological examinations.
Neurologists who specialize in headache medicine are more familiar with such conditions, and I recommend consulting with one of these specialists.
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang from the Department of Neurology cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/03/09

More Info

Drinking hot water can sometimes lead to headaches, and understanding the underlying mechanisms can help clarify why this might occur, especially in the context of a recent cold or sinus issues.
When you consume hot water, it can cause a rapid increase in temperature in the oral cavity and subsequently in the throat and esophagus. This sudden change in temperature can lead to a reflexive response in the body, including the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, which may trigger a headache. This phenomenon is somewhat similar to what happens when people consume very cold beverages, which can lead to "brain freeze" or ice cream headaches due to the rapid constriction and subsequent dilation of blood vessels in the head.

In your case, since you mentioned that you recently had a cold, it is possible that your sinuses are inflamed or congested. Drinking hot water may temporarily relieve some of the discomfort associated with sinus pressure, but it could also exacerbate the headache if the heat causes further dilation of blood vessels or if it increases pressure in the sinuses. The connection between sinusitis and headaches is well-documented; inflammation in the sinuses can lead to increased pressure and pain, which may be felt as a headache.

Moreover, if you are not accustomed to drinking hot beverages, your body might react more sensitively to the heat, leading to discomfort. The sudden introduction of hot water could also stimulate nerve endings in the throat and esophagus, which might indirectly trigger a headache.

To address this issue, consider the following recommendations:
1. Temperature Moderation: Instead of drinking very hot water, try consuming it at a moderate temperature. This can help minimize the risk of triggering a headache while still providing comfort during your cold.

2. Stay Hydrated: Ensure that you are drinking enough fluids overall. Dehydration can also lead to headaches, so maintaining adequate hydration with room temperature or slightly warm fluids may be beneficial.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the headaches occur in relation to drinking hot water. If the headaches persist or worsen, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

4. Sinus Care: If you suspect that sinus issues are contributing to your headaches, consider using saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation to help relieve sinus pressure. This can be particularly helpful during a cold.

5. Consult a Specialist: If headaches continue to be a problem, especially if they are severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it may be wise to consult a neurologist or an ENT specialist. They can perform a thorough evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, while drinking hot water can sometimes lead to headaches due to temperature changes and potential sinus involvement, adjusting the temperature of the water and monitoring your symptoms can help manage this issue. If headaches persist, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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