Head Pain When Coughing: Is It Serious? What You Need to Know

What Causes Head Pain When Coughing?

• Sinusitis: This is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes. When you cough, the pressure in your sinuses can increase, leading to more intense pain.
• Migraines: If you’re prone to migraines, coughing can trigger or worsen the pain. Migraines are a type of headache that can cause intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Tension headaches: These are headaches caused by muscle tension in the head and neck. Coughing can exacerbate this tension, leading to more pain.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: This is a condition that affects the nerves in the face and can cause sudden, sharp pain in the forehead, cheek, or jaw. Coughing can trigger these nerves, leading to more pain.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: This is a condition that affects the joints and muscles in the jaw and can cause pain in the temples, forehead, and around the ears. Coughing can put pressure on the jaw, exacerbating this pain.

When to See a Doctor for Head Pain When Coughing

• Your head pain is severe or sudden: If your head pain is sudden and severe, it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition like a brain aneurysm or stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden, severe head pain when coughing.
• Your head pain is persistent: If your head pain doesn’t go away or is getting worse over time, it’s important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment.
• You have other symptoms: If you’re experiencing other symptoms like fever, chills, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
• You have a history of head injury: If you’ve had a head injury in the past, you may be at a higher risk for serious complications. It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing head pain when coughing after a head injury.
• You’re unsure of the cause: If you’re unsure what’s causing your head pain when coughing, or if it’s a new or persistent problem, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

The Different Types of Head Pain Associated with Coughing

• Sharp, stabbing pain: This type of pain is often sudden and intense and can be a sign of a more serious condition like trigeminal neuralgia or a brain aneurysm.
• Pressure and congestion: If you feel pressure and congestion in your sinuses, along with pain when coughing, it could be a sign of sinusitis.
• Throbbing pain: Throbbing pain can be a sign of a tension headache or migraine, which can be triggered or worsened by coughing.
• Aching or dull pain: This type of pain is often associated with muscle tension or strain and can be a sign of tension headaches or TMJ disorder.

Home Remedies for Head Pain When Coughing

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your body hydrated and loosen mucus in your airways, which can reduce coughing and head pain.
• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help soothe irritated sinuses and reduce congestion, which can alleviate head pain when coughing.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce head pain associated with coughing. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosages and check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
• Try a warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your forehead or sinuses can help relieve pressure and reduce head pain.
• Use a saline nasal spray: Saline nasal sprays can help flush out mucus and reduce inflammation in your nasal passages, which can alleviate head pain.

How to Manage Head Pain When Coughing

• Rest and get plenty of sleep: Resting and getting enough sleep can help your body recover and reduce stress, which can worsen head pain.
• Avoid triggers: If you’ve identified certain triggers that worsen your head pain when coughing, such as certain foods or environmental factors, try to avoid them.
• Practice stress-reduction techniques: Stress can worsen head pain, so try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help manage stress.
• Practice good posture: Poor posture can cause muscle tension in your neck and shoulders, which can lead to head pain. Be sure to sit up straight and avoid hunching over.
• Take prescribed medications as directed: If your healthcare provider prescribes medications for your head pain or underlying condition, be sure to take them as directed.

Can Chronic Coughing Cause Head Pain?

• Covering your mouth when coughing
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding triggers like smoke or pollution, can help reduce coughing and head pain.

When Head Pain When Coughing Is a Sign of a More Serious Condition

• Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain in the forehead, behind the eyes, or in the cheekbones that worsens when coughing.
• Meningitis: This is a serious infection that can cause severe headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Head pain when coughing may be a symptom of meningitis.
• Brain tumor: While rare, a brain tumor can cause headaches that worsen with coughing, among other symptoms.

The Role of Sinus Infections in Head Pain When Coughing

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Facial pressure or pain
• Sore throat