What You Need to Know about Head Pain & Coughs

Everyone coughs from time to time, either from an irritated throat, or during a cold. Occasionally, coughing can cause a headache, or an uncomfortable pressure in the head. ENTs have defined two kinds of cough headaches, called 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 extremely painful headache that can be debilitating. This pain can occur in different parts of the head or face and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or noise. Understanding the nature of head pain is crucial in identifying the type of headache and seeking appropriate treatment.

What is Head Pain?

Head pain, commonly referred to as a headache, is a type of discomfort or pain that occurs 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 headache, 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. In addition to the pain itself, headaches can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and increased sensitivity to light or sound, making it essential to understand and address the underlying causes.

Headache Symptoms Caused by Coughs

Primary cough headaches are most likely to affect those over the age of 40, and they usually last 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 important 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, each with distinct characteristics and causes.

Primary vs. Secondary Cough Headaches

Primary cough headaches are temporary headaches and won’t cause any 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 headaches caused by underlying health issues.

Primary cough headaches may cause a headache on only one side of the head, or may affect the whole head. It’s believed that primary cough headaches are caused by the sudden increase in pressure applied to the abdomen during a cough. This is the same pressure that 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 when you lie down or stand 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.

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are not caused by another medical condition and are the most common type of headache. Among these, chronic tension type headache is a common long-term headache that requires effective management strategies. This category includes tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Primary headaches can be episodic, occurring occasionally, or chronic, happening frequently. The exact causes of primary headaches are not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to the contraction of blood vessels in the head and neck, as well as the sensitivity of nerve endings in the scalp, face, and neck. Understanding these types of headaches can help manage and reduce their occurrence.

Headache Causes and Triggers

Identifying the triggers of headache pain is essential for effective management and prevention.

What Triggers Headache Pain?

Headache pain, including tension headache, can be triggered by a variety of factors. Common triggers include stress, certain foods or odors, and the use of 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.

By understanding the different types of headaches, their causes, and triggers, you can better manage head pain and seek the right treatment when necessary.

Diagnosing and Treating Head Pain & Coughs

Diagnosing Headaches

Diagnosing headaches can be a complex process 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, and duration, as well as 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 that could be causing the headache. In some cases, imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out serious 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 serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Managing Headaches

Managing Primary Headaches

Primary headaches, such as tension headaches and migraines, can be managed effectively with a combination of lifestyle changes, self-care techniques, and medication.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage primary headaches include:

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding triggers such as stress, certain foods, and sensory stimuli
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing

Self-care techniques that can help manage primary headaches include:

• Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area
• Massaging the neck and scalp
• Practicing gentle stretches
• Taking regular breaks to rest and relax

Medications that can help manage primary headaches include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Prescription medications such as triptans or ergotamines
• Preventive medications such as beta blockers or anticonvulsants

It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan for managing primary headaches.

Living with Headaches

Coping with Chronic Headaches

Living with chronic headaches can be challenging, but several strategies can help improve your quality of life. These include:

• Keeping a headache diary to track symptoms and identify triggers
• Developing a self-care routine that includes relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy eating
• Building a support network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals
• Learning to manage stress and anxiety
• Exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage

It’s also essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of chronic headaches. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, and other interventions.

Additionally, there are several resources available to help individuals cope with chronic headaches, including:

• Support groups
• Online forums and communities
• Educational resources and websites
• Mobile apps and tracking tools

By working with a healthcare professional and utilizing these resources, individuals can learn to manage their chronic headaches and improve their quality of life.

Treating Head Pain & Coughs

If you’ve been experiencing head pain and coughs, start by 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 be accompanied by 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 pain killer to manage pain and headaches.

When to Visit an ENT

Primary cough headaches are benign, and the pain will ease in a few minutes. However, if you have long-lasting or very severe symptoms, you’ll need to visit your doctor or ENT. Have you been experiencing frequent headaches after coughing? If you have sudden head pain and coughs, dizziness, fever, extreme pain, or unexplained weight loss, you should visit a medical professional as soon as possible. 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.

Treating Secondary Headaches Caused by Coughs

Before treating secondary cough headaches, it’s necessary to know what the underlying cause of the headache is. You may need to have a CT scan or an MRI scan to check for any abnormalities in the brain or the spinal cord. Treatment options for secondary cough headaches may include surgery to remove a tumor, drain excess fluid in the brain to relieve pressure or repair holes that have caused a spinal fluid leak. Cluster headache is another severe type of headache that may require specialized treatment.

Cough headaches are rare, but it’s important to know about head pain and coughs. You’ll be able to recognize the symptoms of primary or secondary cough headaches and seek treatment appropriately. Reducing medication usage can help alleviate medication overuse headaches, which occur due to the frequent use of over-the-counter pain relievers.