Cough headaches are a rare type of headache that happen when someone coughs or sneezes. They can show a health issue like posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) or a problem in the back of the head. These headaches can either be the main issue or they might happen because of another health problem, like Chiari malformations or issues in the back of the head.
To diagnose cough headaches, doctors often use brain scans to check for issues. The focus of treatment is on the main health problem causing the headaches. Sometimes, drugs to manage blood pressure are part of the plan. For very serious cases, trying stem cell therapy might be an option.
Key Takeaways:
- Cough headaches are rare and occur when a person coughs or sneezes.
- They can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
- Neuro-imaging is often used to diagnose cough headaches.
- Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition and may include medications.
- Stem cell therapy can be an innovative option for severe cases of cough headaches.
Symptoms and Causes of Cough Headaches
Cough headaches come on suddenly and cause sharp head pain. This pain happens when you cough or sneeze. Doctors think it’s because the pressure inside your head increases during coughing fits.
Experts believe that primary cough headaches are due to overly sensitive structures in the head. Secondary cough headaches, on the other hand, can be caused by different health issues like PRES or Chiari malformations.
To deal with cough headaches, you can use a mix of methods. These aim to ease the pain and treat the root causes.
- Avoid things that set off your cough headaches.
- Use common painkillers like ibuprofen for quick relief.
- If you have a specific health issue like PRES, treat that problem to lessen cough headaches.
Remember, always talk to a doctor about how to manage and treat your cough headaches effectively.
Common Causes of Cough Headaches
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Cough Headaches | Believed to be caused by overactive pain-sensitive structures in the head during coughing or sneezing. |
| Secondary Cough Headaches | Caused by underlying conditions such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) or Chiari malformations. |
Cough Headache Remedies
Besides avoiding triggers and using pain relievers, there are other ways to deal with cough headaches:
- Drink plenty of water to lower the chance of headaches.
- Try calming techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress and pain.
- Use a warm or cool cloth on your head for some relief.
- Make sure you get enough sleep, which can help manage headaches.
Everyone is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. If cough headaches are bothering you, see a doctor for advice tailored to you.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cough Headaches
Diagnosing cough headaches involves a detailed look at medical history. This is done alongside a careful physical exam. Doctors might also use tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for any issues inside your head.
If a cause for your cough headaches is found, treatment will focus on that issue. But for cases where no clear reason is found, therapy will target symptom management and prevent future headaches.
Lifestyle changes can often help curb these headaches. This includes staying away from things that make you cough. It also involves learning relaxation methods to lower headache intensity. Doctors might suggest over-the-counter pain meds like NSAIDs to ease the pain.
If simple treatments don’t work, more advanced options could be explored. For example, stem cell therapy may be an avenue worth considering. This kind of therapy aims to repair damage in your body using stem cells. Still, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm its benefits and safety for cough headaches.