Head pain when coughing, or a cough headache, can be pretty distressing and can get in the way of your daily activities. There can be many reasons for cough headaches, from harmless ones to more serious ones. This guide will talk about what causes these headaches, what the symptoms are, how they can be treated, and how to prevent them.
What Causes Head Pain When Coughing?
Coughing and then feeling pain in your head can be caused by a few different things. The pain is usually caused by a sudden increase in pressure inside the head and neck when you cough. Some of the common causes of this kind of headache include:
Primary Cough Headaches
Primary cough headaches don't have any underlying condition. They're usually harmless and only last for a few seconds to a few minutes. They're caused by the increase in pressure inside the head and neck from coughing, sneezing, or straining.
Sinus Congestion or Infection
If your sinuses are blocked or inflamed, this can cause increased pressure in the head, leading to pain that worsens when you cough or bend over. Sinus headaches are often accompanied by nasal congestion, which is when your nose is all stuffed up, and facial tenderness. This means that you might have a lot of mucus in your nose and your face might feel sensitive to touch.
Tension-type or Migraine Headaches
If you are prone to tension headaches or migraines, coughing or other physical exertion can act as a trigger, making your existing headache worse or even causing a new headache. This means that if you already have a headache or are prone to headaches, coughing can make it even worse. It can also cause a new headache if you're prone to headaches.
Chiari Malformation
Chiari malformation is a structural condition where the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, causing increased pressure in the skull. Coughing or straining may worsen symptoms, including head pain. This means that if you have this condition, coughing or straining can make the pressure in your skull even worse, which can cause head pain.
Intracranial Pressure Changes
Conditions that cause increased pressure inside the skull, like a cerebrospinal fluid leak, brain tumors, or blood vessel problems, can cause head pain when you cough. These cases are rare, but if you have any of these conditions, you should see a doctor to get checked out.
Postnasal Drip
When you have allergies or colds, your body can produce excess mucus. This mucus can irritate your throat and cause you to cough, which can result in temporary head pain due to sinus or throat pressure. In other words, when you have allergies or colds, your body might produce too much mucus, which can cause irritation in your throat and make you cough. The coughing can cause pressure in your sinuses or throat, which can cause temporary head pain.
Symptoms Associated with Cough-Induced Headaches
Headaches caused by coughing can be different in strength and how long they last, depending on the reason. Noticing these signs might mean you need more tests or medical attention.
Sudden Onset of Pain
If you're experiencing a sudden onset of head pain after coughing, sneezing, laughing, or straining, it can be sharp, stabbing, or pulsating. In other words, if you start to feel a sudden pain in your head when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or strain, it might feel like a sharp, stabbing, or pulsating pain.
Location of Pain
Cough-induced headaches often occur on both sides of the head, which means that you might feel the pain in both temples, in the back of your head, or near your forehead. In other words, the pain from a cough-induced headache might be felt in both temples, the back of your head, or near your forehead.
Short Duration
For primary cough headaches, the discomfort usually lasts a few seconds to a few minutes and resolves quickly once the coughing subsides. This means that the headache is short-lived and does not last long.
Severe or Persistent Pain
In cases where there is an underlying condition causing the cough-induced headache, such as increased pressure inside the skull or structural abnormalities, the pain may last longer and could be accompanied by other symptoms. This type of headache is often more severe and persistent than primary cough headaches.
Associated Symptoms
Depending on the cause, additional symptoms might include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Sensitivity to light or sound.
Neck stiffness or soreness.
Neurological signs, such as vision changes or weakness, in rare and severe cases.
Diagnosing the Cause of Head Pain When Coughing
To determine the cause of your cough headache, your doctor might do the following:
1. Detailed Medical History
Your doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms, such as how long they last, how intense they are, and where the pain is. They may also ask you about other triggers, other symptoms that you have, and if you have a history of migraines, sinus issues, or other neurological conditions.
2. Physical Examination
A physical exam, including a neurological assessment, will help detect signs of increased pressure in the skull, structural abnormalities, or other potential causes. Your doctor may also check for any tenderness in your sinuses or postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips down the back of your throat. These can be signs that something is causing your headaches.
3. Imaging Studies
If your doctor thinks that your headache might be caused by something more serious, they might order imaging tests to get a better idea of what's going on. These tests include:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord to identify structural issues such as Chiari malformation or brain tumors. This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, which can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your cough-induced headache.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan is a test that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the head and neck, including the sinuses. This test is useful for evaluating sinus infections or other conditions that may be causing your cough-induced headache.
4. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
In rare cases, a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, may be performed. During this procedure, a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) is collected and tested. This can help detect any abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid, such as infections or bleeding, that may be causing your cough-induced headache.
5. Allergy or Sinus Testing
If your doctor thinks allergies or sinus congestion might be causing your headaches, they might order extra tests to find out for sure. These tests can include allergy screenings to find any allergens that might be causing your headaches. They can also include imaging of the sinuses, like a CT scan, to see if there is any swelling or blockage that might be adding to your headaches.
Treatment for Head Pain When Coughing
The treatment for head pain when coughing depends on the type and cause of the headache. Here are some treatment options:
1. Treating Primary Cough Headaches
If you have primary cough headaches, which are usually benign, meaning that they're not caused by anything serious, they can often be managed with:
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help to provide relief from the pain associated with primary cough headaches. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain, but it's important to talk to your doctor before taking them to make sure they're right for you.
Preventive Medications: If you often get headaches, your doctor might give you medicine like indomethacin, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to help prevent them. NSAIDs are medicines that reduce swelling and pain.
2. Managing Sinus-Related Issues
If sinus congestion or infection is the cause of your cough headache, treatments may include:
Decongestants: Decongestants are medications that can help with sinus pressure and congestion. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps to open up the airways and improve airflow. This makes it easier to breathe and can help with sinus headaches.
Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation is a way to clean out your nasal passages using saline sprays or rinses. This involves using a special device called a Neti pot or a saline nasal spray to flush out mucus and debris from your nasal passages. This can help to reduce the pressure in your sinuses and alleviate the symptoms of cough headaches caused by sinus congestion.
Antibiotics: If your doctor determines that you have a bacterial sinus infection, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics are a type of medication that work by killing bacteria and preventing them from growing. They can help to clear up the infection and reduce inflammation in your sinuses, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of cough headaches caused by sinus congestion.
3. Addressing Allergies
If your cough headache is caused by allergies, taking antihistamines or other allergy medications can help reduce your symptoms. It's also important to avoid things that trigger your allergies, like dust, pollen, or animal dander, to prevent your headaches from coming back.
4. Resolving Structural or Neurological Issues
Sometimes, a cough headache is due to a structural or neurological problem, like Chiari malformation or high pressure inside the skull. Treatments for these issues might include:
Surgery: If your cough headaches are caused by a structural abnormality or increased pressure in the skull, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem and relieve the symptoms. Surgery is typically used as a last resort when other treatments are not effective. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine if surgery is the right option for you based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your headaches.
Medications: If surgery isn't an option, or if it's not the right choice for you, your doctor might recommend medications to manage your symptoms or reduce the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid. This can help relieve your headache and make you feel better.
5. Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency of coughing can also be helpful. Some changes you can make to reduce the frequency of coughing include:
Quitting Smoking: Quitting smoking can help reduce coughing, which can help prevent cough headaches. Smoking can cause coughing and irritation in the throat, which can lead to headaches. Quitting smoking can help you reduce the frequency of coughing and prevent cough headaches from happening.
Hydration: Staying hydrated can help soothe your throat and thin the mucus in your sinuses, which can prevent coughing and coughing headaches. Drinking water and other fluids can help keep the mucus thin and less likely to cause coughing or headaches.
Avoiding Triggers: Avoiding triggers like dust, smoke, or other irritants can help you prevent coughing and coughing headaches. If you know that these things make you cough, try to stay away from them or protect yourself from them. This can help you avoid coughing and coughing headaches.
Preventing Head Pain When Coughing
To prevent head pain caused by coughing, it's important to address the root causes of the cough itself and minimize triggers that can lead to headaches. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Manage Underlying Conditions
Taking care of problems like sinusitis, allergies, or breathing issues can lessen coughing and headaches from coughing. If you have any of these problems, using the prescribed medicines or treatments can help control them and stop coughing and headaches from coughing.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and keeps your throat moist, reducing irritation and the likelihood of coughing. Water also helps your body function better and can improve overall health.
3. Avoid Triggers
Staying away from things like smoke, strong smells, and allergens can help stop coughing and headaches from coughing. Using air purifiers to clean the air in your home and keeping your home clean can also help prevent these issues.
4. Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene
During cold and flu season, you can prevent respiratory infections by washing your hands often, staying away from sick people, and getting your vaccinations. These actions can lower your chances of getting sick and having a cough that might cause headaches.
5. Use Preventive Medications
If you often get primary cough headaches, your doctor might suggest taking preventive medications like NSAIDs or other prescribed treatments to lessen how often you have headaches. These medications can help manage the headaches.
6. Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting can help reduce chronic coughing and improve your overall health. If you need help quitting, you can seek support or join a cessation program. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but it can be very beneficial to your health.
7. Practice Stress Management
Stress and tension can exacerbate headaches. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help to prevent tension headaches triggered by coughing. These techniques can help to relax the muscles in your neck and head, which can reduce the risk of tension headaches.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional head pain when coughing is usually nothing serious, but in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. You should see a doctor if:
The Pain Is Severe or Persistent: If the headache is very painful, lasts longer than expected, or gets worse over time, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that needs to be evaluated. If this is the case, you should seek medical attention.
There Are Neurological Symptoms: If you have a headache and also feel dizzy, have changes in vision, feel weak or numb, are confused, or have trouble speaking, you should see a doctor. These might be signs of a neurological problem that needs to be examined.
It Interferes with Daily Activities: If the headache happens often or makes it hard for you to work, sleep, or do daily tasks, it's time to see a doctor. The pain might be due to a condition that needs treatment.
You Have a History of Health Conditions: If you've had conditions like migraines, high blood pressure, or other brain-related disorders, visit a doctor if you get new or worse headaches. This might mean your condition has worsened and needs treatment.
Symptoms Indicate an Infection: If you have a fever, sinus pressure, or nasal discharge along with head pain, you might have a sinus infection or another respiratory issue that needs treatment. These symptoms can be signs of an infection that needs to be treated.
You Experience Other Alarming Signs: If you have symptoms like feeling sick, throwing up, fainting, or sudden, intense pain, you should see a doctor immediately. These symptoms could mean a serious issue that needs quick treatment.
If you're experiencing head pain when coughing or any other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to contact Volusia Medical Center. Our team of experienced and caring professionals is here to provide you with the best possible care and personalized solutions to your health concerns. Don't wait to get the relief you deserve - contact us and schedule a consultation today with one of our experts. Your health is our number one priority!
Conclusion
Coughing headaches are usually not serious, but they can sometimes be a sign of a bigger problem. Knowing what causes them, their symptoms, and how to treat them can help you feel better and stop them from happening. If the pain is very bad, doesn't stop, or comes with other concerning symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for a check-up.
FAQs
1. Why does my head hurt when I cough?
There are a few reasons why your head might hurt when you cough. The main reason is that coughing increases the pressure in your head, which can cause a headache. This can happen in cases of primary cough headaches or if you have sinus problems.
2. Can coughing cause a migraine?
Yes, coughing can trigger migraines in people who are prone to them, especially if physical exertion is a trigger. This means that if you are prone to migraines and physical exertion is one of your triggers, coughing can cause a migraine. If you're prone to migraines and coughing is one of your triggers, it's important to be aware of this and take steps to prevent coughing, such as avoiding irritants and staying hydrated.
3. Is a headache when coughing serious?
Most cough headaches are harmless and go away quickly, but if the pain is persistent or severe, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be treated. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, or if you experience other symptoms like dizziness or vision changes, it’s important to see a doctor.
4. How can I relieve a cough headache at home?
Rest, stay hydrated, take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and use a humidifier (a device that adds moisture to the air) to reduce coughing. These can help to relieve your headache at home.
5. Should I be worried if my head hurts when I cough?
Occasional headaches that occur during coughing are usually not a concern, but if the headache is persistent, severe, or worsening, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. This is to make sure there is no underlying condition that needs treatment.
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