What is Cough Headache? Its Symptoms and Treatments

A cough headache is a type of headache triggered or worsened by coughing. It typically occurs due to increased pressure in the head and may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache. Cough headaches can vary in severity and duration.

If you're wondering 'why my head hurts when I cough,' these headaches are often benign and resolve on their own. Still, persistent or severe cases may require medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes such as a Chiari malformation or other structural issues in the brain.

Symptoms of Cough Headache

Ways to Treat Cough Headache

1. Pain Relief Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce headache pain. For more severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications.

2. Preventive Medications

If cough headaches are frequent, preventive medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to reduce the frequency or severity of headaches.

3. Treatment of Underlying Conditions

If cough headaches are secondary to an underlying condition such as a Chiari malformation or intracranial pressure abnormalities, treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause through medications or surgery.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Making lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers that worsen cough headaches, practising stress-reduction techniques, maintaining proper hydration, and getting an adequate amount of sleep may help reduce headache frequency and severity.

5. Physical Therapy

In some cases, physical therapy techniques such as neck exercises or manual therapy may be recommended to help alleviate neck stiffness and tension contributing to cough headaches.

Cough Headache Home Remedies

Frequently Asked Questions