Persistent Headache Over Two Months
I’m a 16-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 80 pounds. Currently, I’m taking duloxetine and I do not smoke. I’ve been diagnosed with Anorexia which complicates matters a bit. As someone who suffers from chronic headaches, I often experience frequent episodes of pain, so when I began feeling a headache in early April, I didn't think much of it initially. I resorted to my usual strategies—primarily hydrating copiously and getting plenty of rest. Unfortunately, none of these methods provided relief, and the headache has persisted without respite since then. Although I manage the discomfort most of the day, each evening the intensity of the pain escalates significantly, bringing me close to considering a trip to the emergency room. Along with the severe pain in the evenings, I also face recurrent nausea that, unfortunately, leads to vomiting almost every other night. I apologize for the chaotic nature of this message; I’m currently writing while experiencing a surge of pain and I’m just so exhausted from dealing with this relentless headache.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 5:30:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the persistent headaches you're experiencing, especially given your history with anorexia and the impact this is having on your daily life. It’s important to address these symptoms seriously, especially since they have lasted for over two months and are accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Main Points
- Persistent headaches for over two months combined with nausea can indicate an underlying issue that should be assessed further.
- Your current medication, diet, and overall health status may contribute to this situation.
- Immediate steps focus on symptom relief and managing nausea.
Explanation
Chronic headaches, especially when they escalate in the evenings and are accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be caused by a variety of factors, including tension headaches, migraine, medication side effects, or even more serious conditions. Given your medical background, it's crucial to consider all aspects of your health.
Next Steps
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Maintain a Headache Diary: Track when the headaches occur, their intensity, duration, and any related symptoms (like nausea or vomiting). This information will be valuable if you need to discuss this with a healthcare provider later.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Continue hydrating, but also try to focus on nutrient-dense food, if possible. Given your anorexia diagnosis, ensure you have a balanced intake that can help support your body. Small, frequent meals might be easier to manage.
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Over-the-Counter Options: If you haven’t already, consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, unless contraindicated by your doctor. However, be cautious about using these frequently, as they can sometimes lead to rebound headaches if used too often.
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Nausea Management: For better control of nausea, you might find ginger tea or peppermint tea helpful. Both are known to alleviate nausea naturally.
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Track Anxiety and Stress Levels: If you notice a correlation between your headaches and stress or anxiety, consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching.
Keep in mind that these procedures are for initial self-management. Given the complexity of your situation, and particularly because your headaches are severe and persistent, I strongly encourage you to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider who can evaluate your condition more comprehensively.
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