(HealthDay News) -- As many as 10 percent of children have migraine headaches. While most headaches in children aren't cause for worry, they can interfere with activities and school, posing a significant problem.
The American Council for Headache Education says these suggestions may help decrease the frequency and severity of headaches:
- Make sure your child drinks enough fluids. Children and adolescents need from four to eight glasses of fluid a day. Caffeine should be avoided. Sports drinks may help during a headache by keeping sugar and sodium levels normal.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of regular sleep at night (but not too much). Fatigue and overexertion are two factors that can trigger headaches. Most children and adolescents need to sleep 8-10 hours each night and keep a regular sleep schedule.
- Be sure your child eats balanced meals at regular hours. Do not let him or her skip meals.
- Try to avoid foods that seem to trigger headaches. Remember that every child may have different triggers.
- Plan and schedule your child's activities sensibly. Try to avoid overcrowded schedules or stressful and potentially upsetting situations.
If your child's doctor prescribed daily medication to reduce headache frequency, remember to have him or her take it every day, whether there's a headache or not.
