Coughing is your body’s natural way of clearing irritants from your airways. Most of the time, it only affects your throat and lungs. However, for some people, a cough can trigger sudden and sometimes intense head pain. This can feel alarming, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Understanding why this occurs is important, not only for peace of mind but also to know when emergency care may be necessary.
Can Coughing Cause Headaches?
Yes. These are known as cough headaches, which happen when pressure builds in your head while coughing or straining. Interestingly, coughing isn’t the only trigger—sneezing, laughing, crying, bending over, or even straining during bowel movements can bring on the same pain.
Doctors classify cough headaches into two main types: primary and secondary. While primary cough headaches are usually harmless and short-lived, secondary cough headaches may signal an underlying health condition.
Primary Cough Headaches
- Caused directly by coughing or straining
These headaches occur due to a sudden spike in pressure inside your chest and head while coughing, sneezing, or laughing. The pressure briefly affects blood flow and can trigger pain. - Harmless and temporary
Primary cough headaches are not linked to any structural problems in the brain. They are considered benign, meaning they usually resolve on their own and don’t indicate a serious medical issue. - More common in adults over 40
Studies show these headaches are more frequently reported in people over 40, possibly due to age-related changes in blood vessels and pressure regulation. - Pain usually lasts seconds to minutes and fades on its own
Most patients describe the pain as sudden, sharp, or throbbing, lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes. In rare cases, a dull ache may linger for several hours. - Though uncomfortable, these headaches are not linked to major health concerns
They are inconvenient and sometimes scary, but they are not considered life-threatening. However, if you experience frequent or worsening headaches, it’s still best to see a doctor to confirm they are truly primary and not secondary.
Secondary Cough Headaches
Secondary cough headaches are less common than primary ones but are far more serious. They are usually a result of an underlying medical condition that affects the brain or spinal cord. Some common causes include:
- Brain tumors
Abnormal growths can increase pressure in the skull, making even mild straining, like coughing, trigger painful headaches. - Weak or abnormal blood vessels (aneurysms)
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel wall. Coughing or straining can raise pressure, sometimes causing sudden, severe headaches. - Chiari malformation
A condition where brain tissue pushes down into the spinal canal, which can interfere with normal fluid flow and cause pressure-related pain. - Structural problems in the skull
Certain abnormalities in the skull’s shape can increase vulnerability to headaches triggered by pressure changes. - Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
The protective fluid around the brain and spinal cord may leak, reducing cushioning and making headaches more frequent or intense.
While these headaches are rare, they require immediate medical attention because they are linked to potentially life-threatening conditions. If you notice headaches with additional symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, vision changes, or numbness, it’s critical to seek emergency care.
Symptoms of Primary Cough Headaches
Primary cough headaches usually come on suddenly and can feel alarming, even though they are generally harmless. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden pain triggered by coughing or straining
The headache appears almost instantly after a cough, sneeze, or laugh, and fades once the pressure in the head decreases. - Pain felt in the front or both sides of the head
Many patients describe the discomfort across the forehead or temples, though it may also spread to both sides of the head. - Pain may feel sharp, stabbing, or dull
The sensation can vary from a quick, stabbing pain to a heavy, throbbing ache. Some people even report an “explosive” burst of pain at the moment of coughing. - Usually lasts from seconds to 30 minutes
In most cases, the pain is short-lived, disappearing within seconds or minutes. Rarely, it can last longer, but still tends to resolve without treatment.
While primary cough headaches are uncomfortable, they are not usually dangerous. Still, if you notice them becoming more frequent or intense, it’s a good idea to discuss your symptoms with a doctor to rule out more serious causes.
Symptoms of Secondary Cough Headaches
Secondary cough headaches are more concerning than primary ones because they are linked to underlying brain or structural conditions. Their symptoms are often more severe and may be accompanied by other warning signs. Common symptoms include:
- Headache lasting longer than one minute
Unlike primary headaches, the pain doesn’t fade quickly. It can last several minutes or more, and may recur with repeated coughing or straining. - More common in people under 40
These headaches are most often reported in younger patients, which makes age an important clue in diagnosis. - Pain is usually felt at the back of the head
Many patients describe a heavy or explosive sensation in the back of the skull or upper neck. - Pain may feel explosive, pressing, or electrical
The intensity of pain can vary, but patients often describe it as severe, bursting, or even shock-like. - May occur with additional neurological symptoms:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Numbness or tingling in the face or arms
- Blurred vision or fainting
These symptoms are considered red flags. If you notice any of them, it’s important to seek emergency medical care right away, as secondary cough headaches may be linked to serious conditions like aneurysms, brain tumors, or Chiari malformations.
What Causes Head Pain When Coughing?
Coughing increases pressure in the chest and abdomen, which can travel upward and trigger head pain. The cause depends on the type of headache:
- Primary cough headaches: Caused by a temporary rise in brain pressure from coughing or straining. They are harmless and usually short-lived.
- Secondary cough headaches: Linked to underlying conditions such as brain tumors, aneurysms, or Chiari malformation, which make pressure changes more painful and prolonged.
How Are Cough Headaches Treated?
Treatment depends on whether the headache is primary or secondary:
- Primary cough headaches
- Often go away on their own without treatment.
- If they happen often or cause significant pain, doctors may prescribe medications such as indomethacin, propranolol, or acetazolamide to prevent or reduce the discomfort.
- Secondary cough headaches
- Focus on treating the underlying condition that’s causing the headache.
- Depending on the diagnosis, this may involve surgery for conditions like Chiari malformation, aneurysms, or brain tumors.
- Because these headaches may point to serious brain problems, early evaluation and prompt diagnosis are essential.
Can You Prevent Cough Headaches?
While not all cough headaches can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Treating chronic coughs, asthma, and allergies.
- Drinking water and eating fiber to avoid straining.
- Avoid heavy lifting or sudden pressure on your chest.
- Managing respiratory infections early.
- Keeping your environment free from irritants that trigger sneezing.
Cough Care at Altus Emergency Center
Most cough headaches are harmless and short-lived, but if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or come with other warning signs, it’s best to seek care right away. At Altus Emergency Center, our physicians are available 24/7 to quickly diagnose the cause of your head pain and provide the right treatment, whether it’s managing a harmless cough headache or addressing a more serious condition.
Your health and peace of mind matter. Don’t ignore symptoms; visit Altus Emergency Center for expert emergency care when you need it most.