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As temperatures soar across the Washington, D.C. region, health professionals warn of a surge in headaches and migraines linked to the scorching heat, emphasizing the importance of hydration and sun protection.

Dr. Rachel Marquez, a specialist in adult and family medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Virginia, underscores the impact of heat on headache frequency during the summer months.

"Heat can definitely cause people to have more headaches," Marquez said, attributing this rise primarily to dehydration exacerbated by outdoor activities.

"We need to be drinking more water," Marquez advised, WTOP reported. "We may be drinking how much water we normally drink, but when we're outside and it's hot, and we're sweating."

She recommends keeping electrolyte drinks handy or augmenting water with supplements to maintain electrolyte balance.

Sunlight plays a crucial role, especially for those sensitive to light. Excessive exposure can provoke headaches, alongside sunburns, which are also frequent triggers. Marquez advised using sunblock and staying in shaded areas as precautionary steps.

Distinguishing between heat-related headaches and migraines, Marquez elucidated that heat-induced headaches typically manifest as a dull, pervasive discomfort across the head, whereas migraines present with intense throbbing pain accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and noise aversion.

To mitigate symptoms, Marquez recommended that individuals experiencing heat-induced headaches or migraines find cool indoor environments. She suggested using a cold, damp cloth on the neck or forehead to reduce body temperature and relieve headache symptoms, in addition to over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.

Moreover, Marquez highlighted headaches as early signs of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, stressing the need for vigilance and self-care. She noted that persistent headaches lasting over 24 hours or becoming more frequent warrant consultation with a primary care physician, underscoring proactive health management during periods of intense heat.

"Pick up on those cues and take care of yourself and your health," she said.