Headache is a nonspecific symptom that signals the presence of pathological processes in the body. The occurrence of unpleasant sensations is due to irritation of the nerve endings, which contain pain receptors. Contrary to popular belief, the nervous tissue of the brain is devoid of receptors, therefore, even in the presence of severe inflammation, the patient does not feel discomfort in the brain area.
Why does the head hurt? Pain syndrome occurs due to damage to the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, the periosteum of the skull, blood vessels, muscle and subcutaneous tissue in the head or neck. They contain sensitive receptors that signal the body that there is damage in these areas.
Development mechanism
The onset of pain syndrome in angina is due to the excitation of pain receptors in the tendons, cranial and muscle tissues, epithelial mucosa, extracranial large vessels, etc. It should be noted that the cranial nerves are involved in the formation of uncomfortable sensations, namely:
- spinal;
- glossopharyngeal;
- wandering.
With the development of bacterial ENT diseases, headache appears due to severe intoxication of the body.
Most of the gray matter in the brain does not contain pain receptors, so even extensive head injuries never cause pain shock. Complex biochemical processes play an important role in the formation of pain syndrome. In particular, the presence of endocrine disorders associated with insufficient production of serotonin contributes to the appearance of pain.
Intoxication - pain provocateur
Absolutely all infectious diseases develop as a result of the active multiplication of pathogens. Their waste products saturate the blood, which leads to a change in important biochemical processes and, as a result, intoxication of the body. The appearance of pain in angina is caused by poisoning of the ENT organs by metabolites of pathogens. With the blood flow, toxic substances are carried throughout the body, as a result of which symptoms characteristic of acute tonsillitis arise.
A common causative agent of the disease is beta-hemolytic streptococcus, which affects lymphoid formations in the oropharynx. In the process of its vital activity, the following types of toxins are synthesized in the affected tissues:
- deoxyribonuclease;
- mucopeptides;
- streptolysins;
- proteinase.
Stable intoxication of the body that occurs during the development of chronic tonsillitis leads to destructive changes in the renal tissue and blood vessels, which can provoke the development of glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis.
Through the lymphatic system, the above substances spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, which causes their increase. With the penetration of toxins into the blood, a general intoxication of the body is observed, as a result of which the patient has not only a headache, but also muscles (myalgia).
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is one of the main components in the formation of pain syndrome. With angina, the temperature can rise to critical levels, due to the body's attempts to destroy pathogenic bacteria. Most microbial infectious agents die at temperatures above 39 degrees. However, febrile fever often leads to discomfort in the occipital and temporal parts of the head.
Spastic contractions of the intracranial arteries provoke severe pain that can radiate to the neck and back.
A significant increase in temperature provokes an expansion of blood capillaries and an intense contraction of the heart muscle. In the area of the temples, pressure is created on nearby tissues, which is due to an increase in the outer diameter of the vessels. As a result, irritation of pain receptors in the corresponding tissues is observed, as a result of which a headache appears.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Headache with angina can be aggravated by the patient's unhealthy lifestyle. The negative influence of exogenous factors affects the reactivity of the immune system and the performance of individual organs and systems. The presence of pain syndrome even with uncomplicated tonsillitis may be associated with:
- poor nutrition;
- alcohol abuse;
- smoking;
- independent prescription of medications.
An unbalanced diet leads to the development of hypovitaminosis, as a result of which the body's resistance decreases. As a result, invading pathogens easily penetrate into the deep layers of the mucous membrane, causing inflammation and pain. An auxiliary role in the formation of an unpleasant symptom is played by the independent treatment of the disease. Irrational intake of antibiotics and hormonal drugs suppresses the activity of protective cells, as a result of which the possibility of the development of severe complications is not excluded.
Complications
Pain in the head during the development of acute tonsillitis can signal complications. The disease itself does not pose a particular threat to health, however, the untimely elimination of inflammation leads to the defeat of more and more organs, which is fraught with serious consequences. If you have a headache with angina, this may indicate the occurrence of such complications:
- sinusitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane in the maxillary sinuses. With the development of the disease, the patient feels a throbbing pain in the T-zone, which can radiate to the back of the head;
- otitis media - catarrhal processes occurring in the tympanic cavity. In addition to congestion in the ears, patients often complain of pain in the ear and temporal region, which is caused by an infectious lesion of the cells of the mastoid process;
- conjunctivitis is an ophthalmic disease that occurs as a result of inflammation of the outer shell of the eyeball. A characteristic sign of pathology is pain in the eye sockets;
- meningitis - catarrhal processes in the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Severe illness is characterized by headaches that worsen in bright light (photophobia);
- paresis of the facial nerve - inflammation in the membranes of the facial nerve, which causes sharp and severe pain, radiating to the teeth, jaw, eye sockets, etc.
The risk of complications with angina is reduced only in the case of timely elimination of pathological processes. To destroy the pathogenic flora, it is necessary to undergo a course of pharmacotherapy with the use of antimicrobial, antiphlogistic and analgesic drugs.
Effective analgesics
Analgesics are symptomatic drugs that reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors. To eliminate head pain without serious consequences, it is advisable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They quickly relieve pain and accelerate the regression of inflammatory reactions in tissues. Thus, mucous membranes affected by pathogenic agents regenerate much faster, which contributes to an increase in tissue reactivity.
Important! It is undesirable to combine the intake of analgesics with alcoholic beverages, as this creates an additional burden on the detoxification organs.
Effective analgesic agents include:
- "Paracetamol" is an antiphlogistic, analgesic and antipyretic agent.Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which contributes to the regression of inflammatory reactions in the mucous membranes of the oropharynx;
- Panadol is a non-selective non-steroidal drug that has antipyretic properties. Neutralizes the activity of cyclooxygenase, which prevents catarrhal processes;
- "Ibuprofen" is an antipyretic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug. Relieves headaches, muscle and neurological pain;
- "Tempalgin" is an analgesic and sedative agent with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. It helps to eliminate not only pain, but also migraine.
Some of the above drugs cannot be used concomitantly or in combination with antipyretic drugs. Therefore, before using analgesics, you should consult your doctor.
