Cough Headache: Why Does My Head Hurt When I Cough?

Yes, it is relatively normal for some people to get a headache from coughing, especially during intense or repeated coughing episodes. This type of headache is known as a cough headache and can occur due to a sudden increase in pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) caused by coughing, sneezing, bending over, or straining. These headaches are usually short-lived and harmless (called primary cough headaches). However, if the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, vision changes, or neck pain, it could indicate an underlying condition (known as a secondary cough headache) and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Primary cough headaches are not dangerous and subside after a few minutes. Secondary headaches usually have underlying causes and can be dangerous if not treated in time. 

A headache after coughing or sneezing is typically caused by a sudden spike in intracranial pressure. When you cough, sneeze, strain, or bend over, the pressure in your chest and abdomen increases, which can momentarily raise the pressure in your head. This sudden change may trigger a sharp, throbbing headache — especially in people over 40 or those with sensitive neurological pathways.

In some cases, these headaches, known as primary cough headaches, are harmless and short-lived. However, if they are frequent, intense, or accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, vision issues, or balance problems, they could be due to an underlying issue such as a Chiari malformation, a brain aneurysm, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities, and medical evaluation is recommended.

Cough headaches typically last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. In most cases, the pain appears suddenly right after coughing, sneezing, or straining and subsides within a few minutes. These are known as primary cough headaches and are generally harmless, though the intensity can feel sharp or stabbing. However, if the headache persists for longer durations—lasting hours or even recurring frequently—it may indicate a secondary cough headache, which is linked to underlying conditions like Chiari malformation or other neurological issues. In such cases, medical evaluation is essential to determine the root cause and appropriate treatment.

Getting your cough treated and avoiding activities like bending, stooping, and lifting weights can prevent cough headaches. Indomethacin is the preferred drug for headache prevention. 

Primary cough headaches are usually posterior and affect the backside of the head. 

Primary cough headaches are usually short-lived and harmless thus they were previously called benign cough headaches. 

No. Coughing in general, may lead to a cough headache.  

Yes, children can experience cough headaches, both primary and secondary cough headaches. 

Anxiety and depression are psycho-morbidities and may trigger a cough. Coughing may further lead to a cough headache. 

Yes, sinus issues can cause cough headaches. When the sinuses are inflamed or congested due to infections or allergies, the increased sinus pressure can trigger headaches. Coughing, sneezing, or bending over may worsen the pressure in the sinus cavities, leading to a sharp or throbbing pain in the forehead, behind the eyes, or around the cheeks. This type of headache is usually considered a secondary headache, as it results from an underlying sinus condition. Treating the sinus problem often helps relieve the associated cough headaches.

Cough headaches are not always a sign of something serious, but they can be. Most cough headaches are primary, meaning they are harmless, short-lived, and not caused by any underlying condition. However, in some cases, secondary cough headaches may occur due to more serious issues like a Chiari malformation, brain tumors, aneurysms, or increased intracranial pressure. If your cough headache is severe, persistent, accompanied by neurological symptoms, or occurs frequently, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and imaging tests.

Yes, coughing can increase intracranial pressure (ICP).

When you cough, your chest and abdominal muscles contract forcefully, creating a sudden rise in intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure is transmitted to the veins that drain the brain, temporarily increasing pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).

This is why activities like coughing, sneezing, bending, or straining can sometimes trigger cough headaches, especially in individuals with certain conditions like Chiari malformation, brain lesions, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) imbalance. In most healthy individuals, this rise is brief and harmless, but in others, it can cause discomfort, dizziness, or sharp headaches.

If you frequently experience headaches or other symptoms after coughing, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, dehydration and cold weather can worsen cough headaches.

Dehydration reduces the volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the brain. A lower CSF level can make the brain more sensitive to pressure changes during coughing, increasing the likelihood or severity of a headache.

Cold weather can also play a role. It often leads to dry air, which irritates the airways and triggers more frequent or intense coughing. Additionally, cold-induced vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) in the head and neck can contribute to headache development or make existing headaches worse.

Together, these factors can intensify cough headaches in susceptible individuals. Staying well-hydrated and avoiding sudden temperature changes may help reduce symptoms.