The main reason the head hurts when coughing is due to a type of headache called a "cough headache." This pain happens because coughing increases pressure in the chest and abdomen, which then causes a sudden increase in pressure inside the head or skull. This pressure change can trigger a headache that may feel sharp, stabbing, or like a dull ache. There are two categories of cough headaches:
- Primary cough headache: This is usually harmless and caused directly by the sudden pressure changes during coughing or similar activities like sneezing, laughing, or straining. It typically lasts a few seconds to a couple of hours and does not indicate serious underlying health issues.
- Secondary cough headache: This can be a sign of an underlying condition such as brain abnormalities (like Chiari malformation), brain tumors, changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure, or weakened blood vessels in the brain. It often produces more intense pain and may require medical attention.
In general, if the headache is occasional and linked only to coughing without other neurological symptoms, it is likely a primary cough headache. However, if headaches are severe, persistent, occur with other symptoms (dizziness, fainting, balance issues), or you have a history of neurological problems, seeking medical evaluation is important to rule out secondary causes.
