What Causes Headaches Upon Coughing?

Posted on Sat, 7 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Apr 2018 Answered on

Mon, 7 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : When I cough my head hurts... front of head... like a zing.... had cold sore throat and congested now... should I worry about head hurting when I cough

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Generally a harmless condition

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

These types of headaches are caused by the sudden increase of the cerebrospinal fluid pressure and intracranial pressure during excessive coughing.

These are generally harmless headaches that settle down after the coughing is resolved, or soothed.

So, the correct treatment of the cause of the cough should resolve headaches too.

Discuss with your Doctor about getting treated about the cause of the cough and drugs to soothe it.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Erion Spaho, Neurologist, Surgical

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy