What You Need To Know About Head Pain And Coughs

• Cough headaches, an unusual condition, can cause pain when coughing due to increased pressure within the skull.
  
  
• Approximately 3 million individuals are affected by cough headaches, making them relatively rare.
  
  
• Cough headaches can be categorised as primary or secondary, contingent on the root causes, and consulting a healthcare professional is essential for diagnosis.
  
  
• In many cases, cough headaches may spontaneously improve, but various treatment options are accessible, including home remedies and medical interventions such as physical therapy or surgical procedures.

It could be a cough headache if your head hurts when you cough. This only happens to a few people; only about 1% or 3 million individuals will experience it in their lifetime.

Cough headaches are more common in people over 40. This article will explore what causes cough headaches, their symptoms, and how to treat them.

Why Does My Head Hurt When I Cough?

If your head hurts when you cough, you have what's known as a cough headache. These are episodes of moderate to severe headache pain that can endure for a few seconds to a few hours.

The exact reason behind cough headaches remains somewhat mysterious.

Many healthcare experts believe that when you cough, it boosts the pressure in your chest and abdomen. Consequently, this elevated pressure impacts your brain, leading to a headache.

These headaches can also be triggered by other types of strain, such as:

• Sneezing
  
  
• Blowing your nose
  
  
• Laughing or crying vigorously
  
  
• Bending over
  
  
• Having a bowel movement

Different Types Of Cough Headaches

Before seeking treatment for your cough headache, it's crucial to differentiate between the two types.

Doing so ensures you receive the appropriate medical attention and helps rule out any underlying health issues that might be responsible for your headache.

Primary  Cough Headache

The most common type of cough headache is known as a primary cough headache. It's typically short-lived and doesn't lead to lasting problems.

Primary cough headaches occur when the act of coughing itself creates pressure in the skull. This often results in mild frontal head pain that can linger for a few hours.

Usually, primary cough headaches go away on their own or once the coughing stops.

Secondary Cough Headache

Secondary cough headaches are more intense and severe compared to primary ones. While they still start with a cough, they could signal an underlying health problem.

These underlying issues might involve:

• Brain abnormalities
  
  
• Structural problems
  
  
• Brain tumours
  
  
• Weak blood vessels in the brain
  
  
• Brain and spinal cord disorders

Secondary cough headaches are typically experienced as a sharp or stabbing pain at the back of the head. Getting medical attention may be necessary to address a secondary cough headache.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cough Headaches?

Cough headaches can have different symptoms depending on the type you have. Here are the typical signs:

Common Symptoms:

• Sudden pain right after coughing.
  
  
• Pain that starts as sharp, stabbing, or explosive and then becomes a dull ache.
  
  
• Pain is usually felt on both sides of the head and might be more pronounced in the front.
  
  
• The pain can persist for minutes to hours.

Severe Symptoms:

• Intense pain at the back of the head.
  
  
• Prolonged episodes of pain.
  
  
• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or unsteady.
  
  
• Blurred vision.
  
  
• Ringing in the ears or hearing problems.
  
  
• Shaking or trembling.

Key Point: When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

While cough headaches may resolve independently, they can sometimes be linked to an underlying issue. If you're experiencing severe headache symptoms, scheduling an appointment with your doctor is a good idea. This can ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment before the situation becomes more serious.

Additionally, if you have any of the following additional symptoms, it's strongly advised to seek medical attention promptly:

• A headache that persists for more than two hours.
  
  
• Experiencing fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss.
  
  
• Pain intensifies when you change your position from lying down to standing up.

How Are Cough Headaches Diagnosed?

Your general practitioner can typically diagnose a cough headache.

They will likely start with a physical examination and may recommend further diagnostic tests such as X-rays or CT scans.

These tests are essential for your healthcare provider to identify whether your headaches are related to an underlying condition and to pinpoint the specific cause if there is one.

Key Point: What Is A Physical Exam?

A physical exam is a common method doctors use to assess your overall health. It typically involves the following steps:

Inquiring about:

• Current medications you're taking.
  
  
• Symptoms you're experiencing.
  
  
• Results from medical tests.
  
  
• Your medical and surgical history.
  
  
• Lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption or smoking.
  
  
• Your height and weight.
  
  
• Any implanted devices like pacemakers or defibrillators.
  
  
• Names and contact information of other doctors you've seen recently.

Following this, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical checkup by:

• Feeling the consistency, tenderness, and texture of various organs.
  
  
• Listening for abnormal sounds or irregular heart rhythms in the chest using a stethoscope.
  
  
• Checking for any unusual fluid buildup in specific areas.
  
  
• Taking your pulse.

This is also an opportune time to ask your healthcare provider questions or discuss any changes or concerns you may have noticed about your health.

What Are The Treatment Options For Cough Headaches?

There are several treatment options available for managing cough headaches. Let's explore what they are:

If you're dealing with a primary or secondary cough headache, your doctor may suggest a combination of medications and home remedies to ease your symptoms. These may include:

Pharmaceutical Remedies:

• Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatories for pain relief.
  
  
• Flu or allergy medications to alleviate head pressure and minimise symptoms related to seasonal allergies that can trigger a chronic cough.
  
  
• Annual flu vaccination to prevent illnesses that can lead to coughing.

Home Remedies Recommended By Your Doctor:

• Getting sufficient rest to aid in recovery and bolster your immune system.
  
  
• Stay well-hydrated and consume soothing warm beverages like tea with honey and lemon. This can also help alleviate other symptoms such as a sore throat and body aches.
  
  
• Embracing a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle to reduce the risk of illness.

Always follow your doctor's guidance and recommendations for the most effective treatment and prevention strategies for your condition.

Medical Treatments

If your headaches persist or the symptoms worsen significantly, seeking professional medical treatment is essential.

This typically involves a combination of at-home remedies, such as continuing to take pain medication, and other medical interventions, which may include surgical procedures. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine your condition's most appropriate course of action.

Physical Therapy

Your doctor might suggest physical therapy or refer you to a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are specialists who focus on conditions impacting the nervous system, including issues with the spine and joints.

They can be beneficial in alleviating head pressure linked to inflammatory spinal conditions.

Radiology

If you've been diagnosed with secondary cough headaches, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as X-rays and CT scans.

These tests are designed to detect potential spinal cord problems or more severe issues like brain tumours, which can elevate the pressure in your head.

These diagnostic procedures play a crucial role in helping your doctor pinpoint the underlying cause of your head pain and guide you towards the appropriate treatment.

Surgery

Surgical procedures are typically considered for the treatment of secondary cough headaches, and here are some common reasons for surgery:

• Chiari Malformation: This brain disorder involves a misshaped skull that doesn't provide enough room for the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. This can result in increased pressure inside the skull. Surgery can be performed to create more space in the skull, reducing pressure and alleviating headaches.
  
  
• Tumor Removal: Secondary cough headaches caused by a brain tumour may require surgery to remove the tumour. This procedure creates space in the brain, relieving pressure caused by the tumour pressing against the skull or surrounding brain tissue.
  
  
• Blood Vessel Repair: Certain cough headaches stem from weakened blood vessels in the brain that need repair. These vessels can develop bulges, leading to increased pressure. Once repaired, headache symptoms should subside.
  
  
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair: Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine can occur due to various reasons, including head or brain injuries. Initially, a spinal tap may be performed to reduce pressure, involving the insertion of a needle into the spinal column to drain excess fluid. Surgery may be necessary to repair the actual leak itself.

Chemotherapy

If your cough headaches are linked to a brain tumour, you will probably require chemotherapy to target and eliminate the rapidly dividing tumour cells.

Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles, with rest intervals between each treatment to allow the body to recuperate. Each cycle generally spans a few weeks.

The method of chemotherapy administration, whether orally or through an intravenous (IV) drip, depends on the seriousness of your diagnosis and the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes.

Mobi Doctor can provide valuable medical guidance and support for those experiencing cough headaches, offering expert advice, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.