Chronic headaches in a nine-year-old

Dear Ask The Doctor: What can be causing my ine-year-old son to have headaches almost every morning. He has asthma and takes Qvar inhaler twice daily, which he says makes the headaches worse. He also says he sees "floaters", little strings floating before his eyes, and they occur more frequently during a headache.

Dear Lisa:

I understand how worried you are about your son’s chronic headaches. Apparently due to the signs and symptom that you mentioned it might be a condition called migraine.

This is characterized by a throbbing headache usually lasting for more than 2 hours associated with sensitivity to light and sounds.   A classic sign is the presence of visual aura (bright light or flashing lights).

The treatment for this condition is first identifying the trigger which apparently is the Corticosteroid. I would suggest him consulting his primary care physician for a more detailed evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and probably prescribing Prophylaxis medication. In the meantime he can take OTC ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. I wish him a prompt recovery.