Why Does The Heating Hurt My Head?

Summer has come to an end and, with the arrival of autumn, it is time to turn on the heating. If you live in a cold city, surely heating is one of the essential things to survive your day to day.

In fact, even in cities with hot climates, heating is a mechanism used in most public buildings. You will have noticed that any shopping center, an office, stores, etc., use it.

However, it is a controversial issue. Many people experience problems with the use of heating, such as headaches. It is much more common than we think.

But obviously it is not possible to avoid all the places where it is used. Therefore, in this article we explain why heating can hurt your head and some tips to avoid this discomfort.

Why can heating cause a headache?

Although most people are not aware of it, heating can cause or worsen certain health problems. One of them is this headache that we refer to, which, in turn, can be due to several reasons.

First of all, the headache is usually due to excess heat. It is very common that we abuse the heat systems and that, in the end, the temperature is too high, either in the workplace or at home.

However, it is very important to know that experts recommend that the temperature be kept between 19 and 21 ºC.  This not only helps to maintain efficient energy consumption, but it can help us avoid that uncomfortable headache and discomfort.

On the other hand, the humidity of the air also seems to play an important role in this matter. It is recommended to maintain a humidity level between 20% and 70%. The dry air ends up sensitizing and irritating the respiratory tract.

This dryness increases the risk of infections and colds, which often go hand in hand with headaches. Similarly, the eyes are often more dry and red, which causes itching and eyestrain.

To avoid this, it is as simple as using a humidifier. You can also choose to use water radiators instead of heat pumps, which tend to dry out the environment more.

Other negative effects of heating on our health

In addition to the headache, which is directly related to temperature and humidity, this discomfort can appear due to other side effects of heating. For example, due to an increased risk of allergy.

Most heating systems work by movements of air currents. This causes that, when the air is stirred, all the particles, such as mites or dust, are dragged. 

People allergic to these substances can have constant episodes of allergy from heating. These episodes are usually accompanied by a headache. Ideally, at home, use other systems that do not move the air, such as a radiator.

We must also know that sudden changes in air between the street and the room where we have the heating installed can weaken our respiratory defenses, reducing the correct functioning of the mechanisms that clean the air access path to our body. This is another reason to always keep the thermostat between 19 and 21 ºC.

To mitigate the discomfort, place a humidifier

Heating tends to cause headaches in many people. It can be due to excess heat, lack of humidity or secondary processes that also cause this discomfort. For example, it is typical for allergy episodes or colds to increase.

Therefore, it is important to be cautious and use it properly, without overdoing it. In addition, it is also recommended to properly choose the heating system that suits us best personally.

In the same way, if it is a combustion heating, we must know that some materials generate smoke that is very rich in carbon monoxide. This gas produces intoxications and one of the symptoms is a headache, as well as weakness and dizziness.