How to Eliminate Headache Symptoms

Understand your headache type. Headache types include: tension headaches caused by pressure, stress-related headaches, chronic daily headaches (in which case you probably already know what to do), chronic headaches, and persistent pain... By identifying this, you can determine the most effective treatment for your headache.

Take pain relievers. Most pain medications won’t provide immediate relief within 1-2 hours, so take the medication as soon as you feel the headache coming on. Early treatment is always effective. Even if you’re already in significant pain, a dose of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin, or even a nasal spray with capsaicin can greatly improve your comfort.

• Be cautious about taking medication daily without a doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter daily use can lead to Medication Overuse Syndrome, where people use medication out of fear of recurring headaches. This misuse can cause frequent, recurring headaches known as “rebound headaches.”
• If you take headache medication more than three times a week, you should see a doctor. The more you take, the more your body may build a tolerance, leading to side effects such as decreased pain tolerance and increased risk of “rebound headaches.”
• The treatment for “rebound headaches” involves reducing or stopping the use of pain relievers. Consult your doctor to find the most effective way to manage your medication usage.

Know when to seek medical help. If your headache is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious condition such as a stroke, encephalitis, or meningitis. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if your headache is accompanied by any of the following:

• Problems with hearing, vision, walking, or speaking
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• High fever (39-40°C)
• Fainting
• Difficulty moving one side of the body
• Extreme weakness, numbness, or paralysis
• You should also see a doctor if you experience frequent or severe headaches, if medications are ineffective, or if you're unable to perform your usual activities.

Use caffeine carefully––it can be a double-edged sword. While caffeine (found in some over-the-counter pain medications) can initially provide relief, over time it can actually make your headaches worse due to caffeine dependence. During a headache, adenosine levels in the blood rise, and caffeine helps block adenosine receptors.

• Avoid using pain relievers with caffeine more than twice a week. Consuming it more frequently may lead to caffeine dependence, particularly for those with migraines. If you're addicted to caffeine (more than 200 mg daily, about 2 cups of coffee) and suddenly stop consuming it, headaches are a common withdrawal symptom. This is because regular caffeine consumption dilates blood vessels in your brain, and when you stop, they constrict, causing pain. Learn how to gradually reduce caffeine intake if you believe it's contributing to your headaches.
• If you frequently experience headaches, try to avoid all caffeine-containing foods and drinks whenever possible.

Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to headaches, especially if you’ve been vomiting or drinking alcohol. Drink a large glass of water as soon as you feel a headache coming on, and continue sipping small amounts throughout the day. Gradually, the pain should lessen.

• For men, aim for at least 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day. For women, aim for at least 9 cups (2.2 liters) daily. Drink more if you regularly exercise, live in a hot or humid environment, are ill with vomiting or diarrhea, or are breastfeeding. An alternative way to calculate daily water needs is based on body weight; drink about 30 to 60 ml of water for every kilogram of body weight.
• Avoid very cold water if you're experiencing a headache. Ice-cold water or drinks can trigger migraines in some people, especially those with a history of migraines. It's best to drink water at room temperature.

Find a quiet, dark space to rest. If possible, lie down and relax for at least 30 minutes. Close the curtains, turn off the lights, and focus on your breathing. This can help you relax and recover.

• It is essential that the environment is completely peaceful and silent. If you have to rest in a crowded area, explain that you have a headache and kindly ask them to remain quiet and not disturb you. Preemptively requesting this consideration can help avoid unwanted interruptions later. If you wish, you can take a nap.
• Make sure your bed or seat is comfortable, and that your head is supported in a way that doesn't increase neck tension. If one side of your neck is stretched while the other is bent, adjust your position so your head and neck are evenly supported.
• Adjust the lighting. Avoid bright lights or artificial lighting as they can exacerbate a headache—even for the visually impaired. You may also wear an eye mask to block out light.
• Adjust the room temperature. Some people can only relax in a cool room, while others prefer a large blanket. Try to create the most comfortable conditions for yourself when going to bed at night.

Practice progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These relaxation exercises can help reduce headache pain. Other relaxation methods, such as yoga or meditation, can also be highly effective.

• Lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
• Start from your forehead, tensing all the muscles in a specific muscle group for five seconds.
• Relax the muscles and focus on the sensation of relaxation you feel in your muscles.
• Move on to the next muscle group. The muscle groups to tense and relax include: forehead, eyes and nose, mouth-chin-jaw, hands, arms, shoulders, back, stomach, hips and buttocks, thighs, feet, and toes.

Use a cold compress. Placing something soft and cool on your forehead and eyes may help constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and possibly alleviating your headache. This is especially effective if the pain is focused around your temples or sinuses.

• Soak a towel in cool water and place it on your forehead. Re-wet it with colder water as needed when it loses its coolness.
• Prepare a powerful cold pack by placing a wet towel in a resealable plastic bag and freezing it for about 30 minutes. Take it out and place it on your forehead for long-lasting relief—the towel will stay cold for a long time, and the plastic bag will prevent the ice water from dripping on your skin.
• If your headache is caused by muscle tension from stress, anxiety, or muscle aches, a hot bath or warm compress might be more effective than a cold compress.

Massage your face and scalp. Especially if your headache is caused by muscle tension, a massage can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tightness, leading to less pain. Tension headaches can be caused by various factors, from poor posture to jaw clenching and muscle strain. Anxiety and depression can also trigger tension headaches.

• Place your thumbs on your temples (the soft spot between the top of the ear and the corner of the eye) and apply gentle pressure, moving towards the center of your forehead.
• Gently massaging along the bridge of your nose can help relieve sinus pain and migraines.
• Massage your scalp. Wash your hair with warm water and give your scalp a long, soothing massage. If your hair is dry, apply a bit of coconut or argan oil to your fingertips, then massage it into your scalp.

Massage your neck and shoulders. Muscle tension in your neck and shoulders can lead to headaches. Thankfully, while tension headaches are the most common type of headache, they are also one of the easiest to treat.

• To massage your neck and shoulders, sit down and place your hands on your shoulders with your fingers pointing towards your shoulder blades.
• Exhale and relax your neck, letting your head tilt backward. Apply pressure with your fingers, moving in small circular motions towards the base of your skull.
• Interlace your fingers behind your head. Tilt your head forward, letting the weight of your arms gently stretch the muscles in your neck and shoulders.
• Take two tennis balls or squash balls and place them in a sock. Lie on a flat surface and position the balls just below the base of your skull, then relax. Initially, you may feel some pressure or slight discomfort, but it will pass. This is particularly helpful for sinus headaches.

Perform neck exercises. Stretching and strengthening the neck muscles can help reduce chronic headaches. Here's a simple way to stretch your neck muscles:

• Slowly lower your chin towards your chest without moving your shoulders. You should feel a stretch at the back of your neck. Return your head to an upright position.
• Slowly turn your head to one side. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Turn back to face forward, then repeat in the opposite direction. Return to facing forward again.
• Slowly tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear closer to your shoulder (but don’t raise your shoulder). Hold for 15-30 seconds. Lift your head back to an upright position, then tilt the other ear towards the opposite shoulder and hold for 15-30 seconds.
• Don’t stretch to the point of pain. Repeat these exercises as needed.

Use acupressure techniques. Acupressure can help relieve stress and headaches, especially if your headache is caused by tension or muscle strain. Stimulating acupressure points on the neck, shoulders, and hands can help alleviate headache pain.

• Locate the point behind your ear, and follow the natural grooves down your neck where the muscles attach to the skull. Press firmly and deeply for 4-5 seconds while taking deep breaths.
• Find the point on your shoulder muscle between the neck and shoulder. Using the opposite hand (right hand for left shoulder, left hand for right shoulder), use your thumb and fingers to squeeze the shoulder muscle. Press down with your index finger for 4-5 seconds.
• Massage the soft part of your hand using your thumb and index finger. Apply firm pressure for 4-5 seconds. However, avoid doing this during pregnancy as it may stimulate labor.
• You can also place ping pong balls inside a sock and position them between your back and the chair (or car seat) to activate acupressure points.

Practice relaxation techniques. People around the world use various methods to distract themselves from pain. If you have a headache, don’t worry about learning something new—do what feels most comfortable for you. Some common options include:

• Sitting in meditation.
• Praying.
• Deep breathing.
• Visualization.
• Listening to binaural beats.
• Trying to calm yourself. If you feel sleepy, just go to sleep.

Practice breathing exercises. Sometimes, the act of breathing itself can be a healing method. This may sound obvious, since breathing is something we all do, but relaxing and breathing deeply is what you need to focus on. Deep, steady breathing can release tension and help you relax, easing your headache within minutes.

• Find a quiet, cool, dark place.
• Get into a comfortable position: either lying down or sitting comfortably, and loosen any tight clothing.
• Inhale slowly through your nose. You should feel your stomach expand as you fill your lungs with air. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth until your lungs feel empty.

Be cautious when using folk remedies. Certain traditional remedies may be effective for treating headaches. As with any folk remedy, it’s crucial to be aware of possible side effects and allergic reactions, as well as situations where they should be avoided (e.g., during pregnancy or when ill). Remember that folk remedies are typically not scientifically validated.

Try herbal remedies. Look for herbal treatments that contain a specific amount of active ingredients in each dose. Some herbs are believed to help alleviate headaches. However, the scientific validation or wide-ranging studies on the effectiveness of these herbs vary. As with any treatment, be cautious and stop immediately if any adverse reactions occur.

• Butterbur: Research suggests butterbur can reduce the frequency of migraines. Taking two 25mg capsules daily for 12 weeks can reduce migraine occurrences by up to 60%. Never eat the butterbur plant directly, as it contains harmful compounds that are removed during the extraction process into capsules.
• Ginger: In addition to headache relief, ginger can assist in treating nausea and vomiting, common side effects of severe headaches. The American Academy of Neurology found that concentrated ginger supplements are more effective at reducing headache pain than placebos.
• Coriander: Coriander seeds can be used to reduce inflammation, a common cause of headaches. You can chew them, add them to food or tea, or take them as an extract.
• Feverfew: Feverfew can be consumed in capsule or tablet form, as tea, or even added to sandwiches (be cautious, as it has a bitter taste). There is significant evidence supporting the efficacy of feverfew, and its reliability has been tested over centuries, making it worth trying. While side effects are generally not severe, you may experience tongue pain, mouth ulcers, nausea, digestive issues, and bloating. Long-term use of feverfew can disrupt sleep and potentially even cause headaches.
• Willow bark: Willow bark, taken in 300mg tablet form, can reduce the frequency of migraines when taken twice a day.
• Tea: A cup of tea made from passionflower, rosemary, or lavender can help alleviate headache pain. Peppermint or chamomile tea can also aid in relaxation.

Utilize essential oil therapy. The formulations in this therapy vary significantly, but certain essential oils are commonly used to treat headaches, including lavender, sweet marjoram, and chamomile. These oils can be used for massage, in baths, or for inhalation.

• For headache relief: Mix five drops of rosemary essential oil, five drops of nutmeg essential oil, and five drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Massage it into the neck and upper back.

Use food therapy. Not eating enough can trigger headaches, so make sure you’ve eaten something recently. Certain foods and drinks can also trigger headaches, such as red wine, MSG, and chocolate. Pay attention to what you eat, and avoid foods that typically cause headaches. You can also treat headaches with specific foods.

• Eat almonds: Almonds contain magnesium, which can help dilate blood vessels and reduce headache pain. Other magnesium-rich foods include bananas, cashews, and avocados.
• Eat spicy foods: The effectiveness of spicy foods for headache relief varies by individual and headache type. However, if you suffer from sinus headaches, spicy foods may help relieve nasal congestion and make breathing easier, which in turn can reduce the headache.
• Eat spinach: Spinach is nutrient-dense and highly beneficial for health. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce hangover headaches. Use fresh spinach instead of lettuce in salads or sandwiches.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage: Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can reduce headache pain. However, too much caffeine may cause migraines in some individuals, so it’s better to opt for tea, as it contains less caffeine than coffee.

Get plenty of sleep. Good sleep hygiene—characterized by multiple high-quality sleep sessions—can make you feel better and may reduce the frequency of headaches. Adults should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you're having trouble sleeping, try these strategies:

• Limit 'screen time' before bed
• Use the bed only for sleeping and intimate activities
• Avoid caffeine late in the day
• Dim the lights and take time to 'relax' before preparing for sleep

Avoid exposure to fragrances. While perfumes and fragrant products like soaps and air fresheners can make you smell nice, they may also trigger headaches. Try switching to unscented products and ask those around you to do the same. Unplug or remove air fresheners from your living room or workplace as well.

Change your diet. Although these changes may not relieve headaches immediately, over time, adjusting your diet can help eliminate headache triggers for the future. If you're not sure where to start, consult with a doctor or nutritionist.

• Determine if you're allergic to any specific foods and eliminate them from your diet.
• Reduce caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can trigger headaches. Ironically, cutting back on caffeine may cause temporary headaches, but once you’ve passed through this withdrawal phase, you’ll likely notice positive results.
• Consider avoiding or minimizing foods that can cause headaches, especially those containing MSG, nitrites and nitrates (like cured meats), tyramine (found in cheese, wine, beer, and processed meats), sulfites (in dried fruits, spices, and wine), and salicylates (in tea, vinegar, and certain fruits).

Treat musculoskeletal issues. If you're dealing with a misaligned back or neck, or suffering from poor posture and muscle tension, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the pain. While you can improve musculoskeletal issues with exercises like stretching, yoga, or Pilates (a workout method that helps achieve an ideal waist, firm muscles, and flexibility), it’s also crucial to consult with a specialist like a physical therapist or chiropractor for an evaluation and treatment plan.

Practice yoga. Yoga can eliminate or reduce headaches and help prevent their recurrence. Relaxing yoga poses or simple neck rolls are particularly effective.

Set up an ergonomic work posture. How you sit at your desk and use your computer can contribute to your headaches. Make sure everything is at the correct height and distance for your body.

• Keep your neck balanced while working. It's common to slouch or strain the neck while using computers and digital devices. If your neck tends to lean forward, adjust your computer so you can look straight ahead while working.
• Take regular breaks while sitting at your desk and using the computer. Exercise your eyes by looking at different distances each hour and doing some basic stretching exercises for your body.

Visit a healthcare professional. Many health issues can trigger headaches, so if your headaches persist, it’s a good idea to get checked out.

• Visit a dentist: If you grind your teeth, have misaligned jaws, cavities, abscesses, or infections after tooth extractions, they could be causing your headaches.
• Visit an optometrist: If you need glasses but haven’t had an eye exam, eye strain may be causing unnecessary headaches.
• Visit an ENT specialist: If you have untreated infections or other issues related to your ears, nose, or throat, they might be causing your headaches.

Stay calm. If you feel angry, irritable, frustrated, etc., your muscles can become tense to a point where it’s uncontrollable and leads to headaches. Anxiety, stress, and depression are also common headache triggers. Seek advice from professionals and psychological support to develop methods to manage your emotions effectively if they are taking over your daily life.

• If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, try to relax your face. Yawning can help reduce facial tension.
• Practice relaxation exercises before stressful events such as exams, weddings, driving tests, etc.

Track your headache history. This will help you identify patterns that trigger your headaches, such as after a stressful work period, after communication issues, after consuming certain foods, or around your menstrual cycle, etc. Once you recognize your triggers, you can prevent the headache before it even begins.

• This information is also valuable for your doctor if you experience frequent headaches. Be sure to bring your headache journal to your doctor's appointment.

Quit smoking. If you smoke, your headaches could worsen. Cigarette smoke contains compounds known to trigger headaches, such as carbon monoxide. Smoking also introduces nicotine, which constricts blood vessels, leading to headaches, and it can prevent your liver from releasing substances that alleviate headache pain. Quitting smoking may help reduce headaches, especially if you suffer from 'cluster headaches'—intense pain that occurs in cycles throughout the day. Studies have shown that people who smoke less experience a 50% reduction in headache frequency.

• Headaches can also result from exposure to secondhand smoke, particularly if you're allergic or sensitive to it. Even if you don’t smoke but are regularly around smokers, you could still experience headaches.

Identify the type of headache you are experiencing. Most headaches are caused by stress or lifestyle factors and are generally harmless, even though they can be painful and may hinder your daily activities. If you experience frequent, severe headaches, or if pain relief medication doesn’t help, or if the headache is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. There are many causes of headaches, which is why you need specialized treatment if the pain persists.

Prevent stress headaches by reducing stress. Tension headaches are the most common type. They are usually not as intense as other types of headaches, but they can last for hours or even the entire day. These headaches tend to arise from muscle contractions and are typically felt as a band of pain behind the eyes and across the forehead. The pain may be dull or recurring if the root cause remains untreated, and it may also be accompanied by a general feeling of illness, especially if anxiety or depression is present. Stress headaches often respond well to pain relievers, rest, and stress reduction.

• Massage, acupuncture, yoga, and relaxation techniques are effective treatments to prevent stress headaches.
• Talking therapy, where you relieve stress and anxiety with a psychologist, can also help prevent and alleviate stress headaches.

Prevent migraines through exercise. Migraines may be hereditary, though the exact cause is not well understood. Migraines involve throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. You may also experience visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or losing part of your vision. Some migraines are also associated with numbness or weakness. Migraines can be triggered by food, stressors, hormonal changes, accidents, medication, or other unknown factors. Migraines require special medical attention. If you suffer from frequent migraines, it’s important to consult a doctor.

• Regular aerobic exercise can help prevent migraines by reducing body stress. Obesity can also be a factor in migraines, so exercise can help prevent them by helping you maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
• Warm up gradually before exercising! Sudden intense physical activity without a proper warm-up can trigger migraines. Even vigorous sexual activity can sometimes lead to a migraine in sensitive individuals.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can also help reduce the frequency of migraines.

Manage cluster headaches by avoiding alcohol and nicotine. The exact cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood, so preventing them at the onset is not always possible. Cluster headaches are among the most severe, with intense pain typically around the eye (often on one side of the head). They may also cause drooping eyelids, runny nose, and tearing. If you experience this type of headache, be cautious and consult a doctor for advice and treatment. Several medications are available to help relieve symptoms.

• Avoiding alcohol and nicotine can help reduce the risk of future cluster headaches, though it may not offer relief during an active headache.
• Oxygen therapy, where you inhale oxygen through a mask, has been proven to be particularly effective for cluster headaches.
• Studies show that taking 10 mg of melatonin before bedtime can reduce the frequency of cluster headaches right from the start. This may be due to the fact that cluster headaches are often linked to disruptions in your sleep cycle.

Prevent medication overuse headaches (MOH) by managing your painkiller consumption. MOH, also known as 'rebound headaches,' stems from medication dependency caused by the prolonged use of painkillers (often for tension headaches). MOH can be cured. In most cases, simply stopping the medication will stop the pain within a few days. MOH symptoms are typically similar to tension headaches.

• Avoid using painkillers, including over-the-counter ones, more than 2-3 days a week. If your symptoms are severe and require more frequent medication, consult a doctor.
• Do not use over-the-counter painkillers for more than 15 days per month.
• Avoid painkillers containing opioids (codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, etc.) or butalbital (Fioricet, Ezol, Phrenilin, etc.).

Headaches caused by excessive alcohol consumption can be prevented by staying hydrated. Alcohol-related headaches are quite common, and it is estimated that the U.S. loses around $148 billion annually due to this condition, mainly from lost productivity (those suffering from headaches may call in sick or perform poorly at work). Symptoms include sharp pain, nausea, and a generally awful feeling. The only way to prevent such headaches is to refrain from drinking alcohol, but drinking plenty of water can help prevent a hangover headache the next day.

• A helpful guideline is to drink four times the amount of water compared to the alcohol consumed (water can be replaced with non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages). Since many cocktails contain 30-50 ml of alcohol, plan to drink a full glass of water for each alcoholic drink you have.
• Other liquids, such as sports drinks or even broth, can also be beneficial. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as both contribute to dehydration.

Prevent food or allergy-induced headaches by identifying specific foods or allergens that trigger pain. Allergies and sensitivities can lead to uncomfortable headaches often accompanied by symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, itching, or a burning sensation along with head pain. Some allergies are seasonal, like hay fever, and can be treated with antihistamines. You may also have sensitivities to certain foods, which can ultimately trigger headaches. If you experience frequent headaches with symptoms like itching or watery eyes, consider undergoing an allergy skin test at a clinic or specialized facility. These tests help identify allergens and determine if your headaches are caused by exposure to certain substances.

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can sometimes cause headaches. People sensitive to MSG may also experience facial swelling, chest pain, a burning sensation on the body, neck, and shoulders, and throbbing headaches. Nitrites and nitrates in meat can worsen an otherwise normal headache.
• If you eat ice cream or drink cold beverages too quickly, you may experience a brief but intense 'brain freeze' headache, a temporary but sharp sensation that passes quickly.

Prevent other types of headaches by adjusting your personal care habits. Headaches can sometimes be caused by eye strain, hunger, neck tension, back muscle strain, or even something as simple as wearing a tight ponytail. These headaches may share symptoms with tension headaches. Small changes in your daily routine, like repositioning your workstation or loosening your hair tie, can help prevent these types of headaches.

• Eating regular meals can help prevent daily headaches. Skipping meals can cause a drop in blood sugar, leading to severe headaches accompanied by nausea. Avoiding processed foods may also reduce headache frequency and improve overall well-being.
• Make sure you get to bed at a consistent time and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

• If your hair is tied too tightly, untie or loosen the hair tie.
• When experiencing a headache (forehead pain, neck pain, etc.), place ice wrapped in a cloth on the painful area. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• If you need glasses, wear them while reading or performing detailed tasks. Not wearing glasses may cause headaches.
• Identify lifestyle factors that may contribute to headaches such as stress, food, alcohol, tobacco, sleep disorders, etc. Knowing the cause will help you develop better coping strategies.
• Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule are essential for preventing recurrent headaches.
• If your headache is due to stress, avoid looking at screens from TVs and electronic devices, and refrain from reading small text.
• If you’ve rested and taken painkillers but still have a headache, try eating a light snack and drinking some orange juice. This may help distract from the pain and alleviate the headache.
• Try closing your eyes and breathing deeply.
• Most headaches are caused by dehydration; drink water immediately when you feel a headache coming on.
• Get plenty of rest. A nap in a quiet, comfortable place can help relieve your headache.
• Massage your head.
• Eat something, you might be hungry.
• Visit a doctor if you frequently experience headaches that won’t go away.

• Be cautious when using home remedies. If your headache worsens or if you experience other symptoms, stop using them and consult a doctor.
• A tumor can cause headaches, but not all headaches are linked to tumors. Headaches of this nature are often accompanied by symptoms such as paralysis or weakness in the limbs, slurred speech, vision problems, seizures, personality changes, poor balance, or difficulty walking. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
• If you’ve experienced a head injury, headaches may occur. Since this could be linked to a concussion, skull fractures, or internal bleeding, it’s crucial to see a doctor right away.
• Some medications, like birth control pills or antidepressants, can cause headaches. If you regularly take these medications and experience headaches, consult your doctor. Headaches may be a side effect or an indicator of an underlying health issue.
• Aneurysms can cause sudden, severe headaches often accompanied by neck stiffness, dizziness, and fainting. In this case, immediate emergency treatment is necessary, including surgery and blood pressure stabilization.
• Be careful with over-the-counter medications. Even common pain relievers can pose health risks if not taken correctly. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label.
• Avoid using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you have ulcers, digestive issues, indigestion, or asthma. Common NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis).