Cold air inhaled causing temple headache
I am really struggling here, it seems like every time I go outside in the cold air inhaled, I get this horrible temple headache. It started happening a few weeks back when the temperature dropped suddenly, and the pain feels like a sharp stabbing right in my temples. I didn’t think much of it at first, just thought it was the weather or something, but it keeps happening. I’ve tried bundling up more, like wearing a scarf over my mouth, but still, the cold air inhaled just seems to trigger these awful headaches. I notice they get worse if I’m doing something outside like jogging or shoveling snow. A couple of times, I had to just stop and sit down because the pain was so intense. Has anyone else felt this? Is this a thing? It’s super frustrating, and I’m wondering if there’s like a link between the cold air inhaled and headaches or if I’m just losing my mind here. Maybe it’s some sort of weird sensitivity? Definitely feeling worried about it getting worse. What do I need to do to stop this from happening?
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Doctors' responses
It seems like you’re experiencing a type of headache that may be triggered by cold temperatures and inhaling cold air. Cold-induced headaches are actually not uncommon, particularly in colder climates, and they can indeed result from sudden stimuli such as intense cold or physical exertion in chilly conditions. Essentially, exposure to cold can lead to constriction of blood vessels, and for some individuals, this can precipitate a headache or make existing headache conditions flare up, especially in more sensitive areas like the temples.
To mitigate these headaches, you might want to continue with certain preventive strategies. Wearing a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth is a good step since it helps warm the air you’re breathing and reduces the chance of cold-induced headaches forming. Also, consider keeping bundled up properly for the rest of your body to reduce overall exposure to cold. Try also to avoid sudden temperature changes and when possible, warm up properly if you’re planning to exercise outside. If you need to be outside for extend periods, take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.
However, if these headaches persist despite these measures or become more frequent/severe, it might be worth discussing other possible causes with a healthcare professional. Headaches can have a variety of triggers, such as sinus issues, migraines tied to physical exertion, or trigeminal neuralgia, all of which might present with similar symptoms. A physician can evaluate your situation more closely and suggest appropriate treatment or further investigation if needed.
In the meantime, keep track of any additional symptoms or patterns, such as if the headaches change in intensity or are accompanied by other signs like vision changes, which should be brought to medical attention promptly. Pain relievers such as NSAIDs can sometimes help, but it’s best to use them sparingly and as directed. If accompanied by severe or unusual symptoms, seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions.
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