Air quality can affect health in a number of different ways, causing symptoms such as breathing problems, nausea and irritation of the eyes, nose or throat. But researchers say theres another potential effect of air pollution: headaches.
Results of a new study appearing in The American Journal of Epidemiology suggest poor air quality can be blamed for an increase in headaches, according to Reuters.
Between 2001 and 2005, researchers monitored air quality in the Santiago Province of Chile, an area prone to air pollution because of its geography and the fact that it is densely populated. They also collected information on the number of hospitalizations due to migraine, tension or other types of headaches during the same time frame.
Their findings suggest air pollution increases the risk for all types of headaches, regardless of age, gender or season.
There are many all-natural health resources for treating headaches, according to WebMD.com. They include applying ice to the forehead, temples or back of the neck, sleeping, massage and daily physical therapy.
Among the believed to reduce headache pain are passionflower, black cohosh, white willow bark, butterbur and feverfew, according to EverydayHealth.com. 