WHY WHEN I COUGH MY HEAD HURTS

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants and mucus from your airways. While coughing is typically harmless, it can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches.

Causes of Cough-Induced Headaches

There are several potential causes of headaches associated with coughing. These include:

1. Increased Pressure in the Head: Coughing can cause a sudden increase in pressure in the head, which can lead to a headache. This is especially true if you have a sinus infection, allergies, or other conditions that can cause nasal congestion.

2. Muscle Tension: Coughing can also cause tension in the muscles of the head and neck, which can lead to a headache. This is especially likely if you have a chronic cough.

3. Dehydration: Coughing can cause dehydration, which can also lead to headaches. When you cough, you lose fluids through your mouth and nose. If you don't drink enough fluids to replenish these lost fluids, you can become dehydrated.

4. Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, headaches associated with coughing may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a brain tumor, meningitis, or encephalitis. If you have a persistent headache that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, nausea, or vomiting, it's important to see a doctor right away.

Preventing Cough-Induced Headaches

There are several things you can do to prevent headaches associated with coughing, including:

1. Avoid Triggers: If you know what triggers your cough, such as smoke, dust, or pollen, try to avoid these triggers as much as possible.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially when you have a cough. This will help to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of headaches.

3. Use a Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home or office can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to reduce coughing and prevent headaches.

4. Get Plenty of Rest: When you're sick, it's important to get plenty of rest. This will help your body to heal and reduce the severity of your symptoms, including headaches.

5. Over-the-Counter Medications: If you have a cough, you can take over-the-counter medications, such as cough suppressants or expectorants, to help relieve your symptoms. These medications can also help to reduce the risk of headaches.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, headaches associated with coughing are not serious and will go away on their own. However, it's important to see a doctor if you have a persistent headache, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can coughing cause a migraine?

Yes, coughing can trigger a migraine in people who are prone to these headaches. This is because coughing can cause a sudden increase in pressure in the head, which can lead to a migraine attack.

2. What are some other causes of headaches associated with coughing?

Other potential causes of headaches associated with coughing include muscle tension, dehydration, and underlying medical conditions, such as a brain tumor, meningitis, or encephalitis.

3. How can I prevent headaches associated with coughing?

There are several things you can do to prevent headaches associated with coughing, including avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, using a humidifier, getting plenty of rest, and taking over-the-counter medications.

4. When should I see a doctor about a headache associated with coughing?

You should see a doctor if you have a persistent headache, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.

5. What are some treatments for headaches associated with coughing?

Treatment for headaches associated with coughing will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple measures, such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers, may be enough to relieve the headache. In other cases, more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy, may be necessary.