Everyone coughs from time to time, either from an irritated throat or during a cold. Occasionally, coughing can cause a headache or uncomfortable pressure in the head. ENTs have defined two kinds of cough headaches: primary and secondary cough headaches.
Understanding Headaches
Headaches are a common ailment that most people experience at some point in their lives. Head pain, also known as a headache, can manifest in various forms, such as a tension headache, ranging from a mild, dull ache to an excruciating, debilitating headache. This pain can occur in different parts of the head or face. It may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light or noise.
What is Head Pain?
Head pain, commonly called a headache, is a type of discomfort or pain in the head or face. This pain can be described in several ways: it might feel like a throbbing, constant, sharp, or dull pressure. In some cases, individuals may suffer from chronic tension-type headaches, a long-term headache disorder that occurs frequently and can disrupt daily life. The severity of head pain can vary significantly, from a minor inconvenience to a condition that severely impacts daily activities.
Headache Symptoms Caused by Coughs
Primary cough headaches most likely affect those over 40, usually lasting anywhere from one to thirty minutes. In rare cases, a primary headache can last one or two hours. A primary headache is characterized by specific headache symptoms, including:
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- A sharp pain
- Head pain that starts very abruptly, during or immediately after coughing
- After the initial head pain, a dull ache may persist for a few more minutes
It is essential to recognize the pattern of when a headache occurs, as primary cough headaches typically happen during or immediately after coughing.
Secondary cough headaches are more severe than primary cough headaches. A secondary cough headache usually lasts far longer and can often still be felt several weeks after it began. The symptoms of a secondary cough headache may include:
- High-intensity or excruciating pain
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint
- Varied duration of headache
- The location of the headaches change
Types of Headaches
Headaches can be broadly categorized into primary and secondary types with distinct characteristics and causes.
Primary vs. Secondary Cough Headaches
Primary cough headaches are temporary and will not cause lasting effects, while secondary cough headaches last longer and are considered serious since they usually indicate an underlying issue in the brain. Secondary cough headaches are a type of secondary headache caused by underlying health issues.
Primary cough headaches may affect only one side of the head or the whole head. They are believed to be caused by the sudden increase in pressure applied to the abdomen during a cough. This pressure may cause a headache after laughing, sneezing, or an intense workout.
A secondary cough headache, on the other hand, is usually caused by an underlying health condition, such as a brain disorder, tumor, or skull abnormality, that’s been exacerbated by the cough. This headache will often change in intensity when you change position, such as lying down or standing up. Secondary cough headaches can manifest as severe headaches requiring immediate medical attention.
The most common cause of a secondary cough headache is a Chiari type I malformation, or abnormality in the skull structure where the lower part of the brain may emerge from the base of the skull and rest in the upper spinal area. Other causes of a secondary cough headache include brain tumors, fluid in the brain, or low cerebrospinal fluid.
What Triggers Headache Pain?
Headache pain, including tension headaches, can be triggered by various factors. Common triggers include stress, certain foods or odors, and specific medications. Changes in sleep patterns or environmental factors can also lead to headaches. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation or menopause, are known triggers as well. Physical factors like poor posture or muscle tension can contribute to headache pain. In some cases, headaches can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as a sinus infection or a tumor. Recognizing these triggers can help in taking preventive measures and seeking appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing and Treating Head Pain & Coughs
Diagnosing headaches can be complex due to the myriad of potential causes and types of headaches. When you visit a healthcare professional, they will typically start by asking detailed questions about your headache. They will inquire about its location, severity, duration, and any triggers or factors that seem to exacerbate or alleviate the pain.
A physical examination may follow to check for any signs of underlying conditions causing the headache. Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out severe underlying conditions.
It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A sudden and severe headache
- A headache accompanied by fever, confusion, or a stiff neck
- A headache with weakness, numbness, or paralysis
- A headache with difficulty speaking or swallowing
- A headache with blurred or double vision
These symptoms could indicate a more severe condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Treating Head Pain & Coughs
If you’ve been experiencing head pain and coughs, start managing or reducing the cough to eliminate the headache. Frequent use of pain relief medications can lead to ‘medication overuse headache,’ which requires careful management. A cold, sinus infection, or allergies could be causing the cough, so focus on recovering from the cold and clearing the sinuses. Sinus infections can cause sinus headaches, which may accompany head pain and coughs. To reduce the cough, you can:
- Spend more time resting.
- Stay hydrated.
- Drink hot beverages such as tea or ginger with honey.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after coughing.
- Take ibuprofen or an over-the-counter painkiller to manage pain and headaches.
When to Visit an ENT
Primary cough headaches are benign, and the pain will ease quickly. However, if you have long-lasting or severe symptoms, you must visit your doctor or ENT. Have you been experiencing frequent headaches after coughing? Suppose you have sudden head pain, coughs, dizziness, fever, extreme pain, or unexplained weight loss. In that case, you should visit a medical professional immediately. Individuals experiencing chronic headaches should seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.
Your doctor or ENT will look for the cause of the head pain and perform the necessary medical intervention. This could be medication to treat an underlying health condition, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. They’ll also determine if you have a secondary cough headache and suggest more aggressive treatment options. Persistent headaches, such as chronic tension-type headaches, may require specialized treatment to manage symptoms effectively.