Primary Cough Headaches – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Cough-Related Headaches
Cough-related headaches occur when pain in the head is triggered by coughing or similar straining activities. These headaches can happen when someone sneezes, laughs, cries, sings, bends over, blows their nose, or strains during a bowel movement.
These headaches are relatively rare and fall into two categories. Primary cough headaches are generally harmless and resolve quickly without treatment. They are diagnosed only after healthcare providers rule out other possible causes.
Secondary cough headaches are more concerning. While they may be triggered by coughing, they stem from problems with the brain or nearby structures. These headaches often require surgical intervention.
Anyone experiencing a cough-related headache for the first time should seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can determine whether the pain is simply from coughing or indicates a more serious underlying condition that needs treatment.
Symptoms
Cough headaches start quickly after coughing or other strain-related activities. The pain typically feels sharp, stabbing, or like a “bursting” sensation that affects both sides of the head, often being more severe at the back.
These headaches usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes, though some may continue for up to two hours. After the initial intense pain subsides, a dull ache might remain for several hours.
Secondary cough headaches may involve additional symptoms beyond the main headache pain, including:
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Fainting episodes
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Hearing difficulties
- Vision problems (blurred or double vision)
- Trembling
It’s important to understand that true cough headaches only occur as a direct result of coughing. If you already have a headache and coughing makes it worse, this isn’t considered a cough headache.
For instance, people with migraine often notice that coughing intensifies their existing headache pain, which is a normal reaction rather than a separate cough headache condition.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical help if you develop sudden headaches after coughing, particularly if these headaches are:
- New
- Happening often
- Very painful
- Accompanied by other concerning symptoms
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice problems with balance or changes in your vision (like blurriness or seeing double) along with these headaches. These symptoms might indicate a more serious condition that needs prompt medical attention.
Why Cough Headaches Happen
Main Cough Headaches
The exact reason for the main cough headaches remains unknown. Medical experts have not yet found a clear cause for why some people get headaches when they cough, even after thorough testing. These headaches happen without any underlying brain problems.
Linked Cough Headaches
Linked cough headaches can be caused by several health issues:
- Skull shape problems that affect normal function.
- Brain structure issues, especially when brain tissue pushes through the opening at the skull base where only the spinal cord should be (known as Chiari malformations).
- Weak blood vessels in the brain that bulge (cerebral aneurysms).
- Brain tumors that create pressure.
- Spinal fluid leaks happening without injury.
Sometimes headaches triggered by coughing or straining actually come from spinal fluid leaks. This happens when the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord leaks out through a small tear.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the chance of developing cough headaches. These risk factors differ depending on whether the headache is primary or secondary in nature.
For primary cough headaches, common risk factors include:
- Being male
- Age over 40
- Having a history of migraines
Secondary cough headaches may be linked to:
- Brain abnormalities
- Structural issues at the base of the skull
- Previous head trauma
Prevention
Avoiding things that trigger your cough headaches can help reduce how often they occur. Here are several ways to prevent these headaches:
- Treat underlying lung conditions like bronchitis that cause coughing.
- Avoid medications with coughing as a side effect.
- Get your flu vaccine each year.
- Use stool softeners to prevent constipation.
- Limit heavy lifting and extended periods of bending.
Your doctor can help create a personalized prevention plan based on your specific triggers and health needs. Following their guidance is the most effective approach to managing cough headaches.
