What Causes Dizziness And Temporary Loss Of Consciousness After Severe Cough?

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015

Question: I have had chronic bronchitis for the last few months. When I have a coughing "attack" I sometimes get dizzy and momentarily lose consciousness, last for up to 30 45 seconds. What is happening and should I be worried?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you should definitely start treatment for bronchitis.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Coughing causes vagus nerve stimulation and this can cause unconsciousness. Actual term is cough syncope.
And your cough is due to bronchitis.
So to prevent such episodes of unconsciousness, you need to start treatment for bronchitis.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).
So treat bronchitis to prevent cough and related complications.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar