Cough headaches are an unusual type of headache triggered by coughing and other types of straining — such as from sneezing, blowing your nose, laughing, crying, singing, bending over or having a bowel movement.
Risk Factors of Cough Headache:
Risk Factors for Primary Cough Headaches: Individuals who are older than 40 are more prone to primary cough headaches. Men are at an increased risk than women for having primary cough headaches.
Risk Factors for Secondary Cough Headaches: Individuals who are below the age of 40 are at a higher risk for developing secondary cough headaches.
Symptoms
Primary cough headaches
Begin suddenly with and just after coughing or other types of straining
Typically last a few seconds to a few minutes — some can last up to two hours
Cause sharp, stabbing or splitting pain
Usually affect both sides of your head and may be worse in the back of your head
May be followed by a dull, aching pain for hours
Secondary cough headaches
Secondary cough headaches often have symptoms similar to those of primary cough headaches, though you may experience:
- Longer lasting headaches
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Fainting
