A headache is a common condition that can be triggered by many factors, such as lack of sleep, occasional sickness, or a late night out. Most people don’t link headaches with sneezing or coughing. There are over 150 different types of headaches, and one type is a cough headache. While cough headaches are not common, they can still cause problems and even be a sign of more severe health problems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what cough headaches are, how you can treat them, and how to spot them.
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As the name implies, a cough headache is triggered after sneezing, coughing, straining, or laughing. There are two types of cough headaches: one is harmless, and the other is usually harmless. Reaching out to Glenroy GP would be a great option to get treatment for these headaches.
On average, it can last anywhere from a few seconds to 30 minutes. However, some can last up to two hours. These headaches are uncommon. Most cases are harmless, but some may have a more serious cause.
Symptoms of a cough headache
The symptoms of a cough headache may include:
Here are some less common symptoms of a cough headache:
Occasional coughing is a normal condition, as it helps keep the airways and throat clear. During coughing, there is a sudden release of air at speeds of around 100 miles per hour, which is fast enough to clear your airways of irritants or foreign objects. The force required to cough comes from abdominal, thoracic, and pelvic muscles and can create pressure that travels to your head. In some individuals, this pressure can lead to a cough headache. Straining these muscles may also happen during the following activities:
Cough headaches are not common and occur in around 1% of people. To be categorised as a cough headache, the pain occurs after coughing or another type of action that results in increased strain or pressure, or if you’ve already had a headache before the cough.
A doctor will conduct a physical exam and testing to diagnose a cough headache. During the exam, the doctor will ask about the symptoms you notice, how long they last, and how often they happen. For a mild cough + headache, pathology tests are usually not needed initially. But if symptoms worsen or don’t improve, visiting Pathology Glenroy for testing can help identify the cause.
There are two types of cough headache:
Primary cough headache
Primary cough headache happens when a sneeze, cough, or other type of straining serves as the main factor.
Secondary cough headache
An underlying condition can lead to a secondary cough headache. About half of all people who suffer from a cough headache have a secondary cough headache.
Primary cough headaches usually go away after 30 minutes. Because these headaches don’t last long, you won’t need to get treatment every time they occur. If you have frequent headaches that are disruptive and painful, a doctor may suggest preventive medications. A doctor will explain the benefits and side effects of those medications before you start taking them. Some cough headaches resolve after a lumbar puncture, which removes a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the surrounding area of your spinal column. You may need to go through surgery to repair a structural issue that’s causing your headaches. The surgeon will tell you which type of procedure you will need and what to expect.
Conclusion
Coughing can cause disruption. Feeling a headache after a cough can affect your mood and daily life. Even though they are temporary, a cough headache can be a sign that something is not right. If your cough headache lasts for a long time, you need to get medical attention to know what’s causing the pain and get treatment to feel better. You can also reach out to Magnus Medical for effective treatment.
