Does your head hurt like it's going to split when you cough? Let's talk about this 'Cough Headache'!

Do you get a splitting headache after a hard cough? Or do you get a headache right after you finish laughing? This is something that happens to some people all the time. Today we are talking about this condition called 'cough headache'. Let's understand exactly whether this is normal or something to be afraid of.

What is this 'Cough Headache'?

Simply put, a 'cough headache' is a sudden headache that occurs when you cough, sneeze, laugh out loud, or lift something heavy. This pain usually lasts from a few seconds to about 30 minutes. But sometimes it can last for up to two hours. This is not a very common headache. Most of the time it is not dangerous, but sometimes there can be a serious reason behind it.

There are two main types of 'cough headache':

If you're having this headache, it's very important to know what type it is, because the treatment will depend on it.

What are the symptoms of this headache?

The symptoms of 'cough headache' may vary slightly depending on the type.

Most commonly seen symptoms

• A headache that starts suddenly with a cough or straining and then goes away after a while.
• The pain can occur on both sides of the head or on one side (primary headaches often occur in the front and sides of the head, and secondary headaches often occur in the back of the head).
• The pain can feel sharp, stabbing, or dull .

Not so common features

• Feeling dizzy or losing control of your body.
• Rarely fainting.
• Numbness in both hands (this is a symptom seen only in secondary headaches).

Why does this kind of headache occur?

This headache starts suddenly after an action like this:

• When coughing
• When the crocodile opens
• When you blow your nose loudly
• When straining (e.g., when going to the bathroom, when lifting a heavy object)
• When you laugh out loud
• When crying

Primary cause of headache

In fact, the exact cause of primary cough headaches is still unknown. But experts think this: When we cough, the pressure in our chest and abdomen suddenly increases. This pressure directly increases the pressure inside the brain. It is believed that this increase in pressure is the cause of this pain.

Serious conditions that can cause secondary headaches

This is where we need to focus our attention. Secondary headaches are caused by a structural defect or other medical condition in the brain.

• Chiari malformation type I: This is the most common cause. Simply put, this is when part of the brain, which is located at the back of our skull, pushes down through the spinal cord. This is the area that controls our body's balance.
• Brain tumors
• Decreased pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain and spinal cord
• This is a CSF leak (Cerebrospinal fluid leak).
• Excessive accumulation of CSF fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus)
• Cerebral aneurysm (weakened blood vessel in the brain)
• Blood collection outside the brain tissue (subdural hematoma)

What complications can this cause?

Primary tension headaches can interfere with your daily activities, and the constant pain can also have a psychological impact.

But remember, the conditions that cause secondary cough headaches can be very serious, and sometimes even life-threatening . So if you suddenly get a headache for no reason, see a doctor immediately.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

When you see a doctor, he or she will examine you and ask you about your symptoms. For example, when does the pain come on, how long has it been going on, and how severe it is.

Then, they will order some tests to determine if this is a secondary headache.

• A lumbar puncture (a test to remove fluid from the spine)
• A CT scan (computed tomography scan)
• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
• Blood tests

What are the treatments for this headache?

Treatment methods vary depending on the type of headache.

Treatment for primary headaches

Most of the time, this type of headache goes away on its own within about 30 minutes. So you don't always need to take medication. However, if you get this type of headache often and it's hard to bear, your doctor may prescribe medication to take daily to prevent it. For example:

• Acetazolamide
• Indomethacin
• Propranolol
• Topiramate

Before you start taking these medications, your doctor will explain their side effects to you.

Treatment for secondary headaches

This type of treatment does not treat the headache itself, but the underlying medical condition that is causing it. In many cases, surgery may be required to correct a structural problem in the brain.

Can this situation be prevented?

We can't completely stop coughing and sneezing, right? But we can try to control the main causes of headaches.

• If you have a frequent cough (e.g. asthma, allergies), see a doctor and get proper treatment.
• Talk to your doctor about stool softeners to prevent straining when going to the bathroom.
• Ask your doctor if coughing is a side effect of any medication you are currently taking.
• It's best to stay away from strenuous exercises like weight lifting.

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