Cough Headaches

Overview

A cough headache is head pain that occurs after coughing, sneezing, laughing or straining. A cough headache can last anywhere from a few seconds to 30 minutes, on average. Some can last up to two hours. These headaches aren’t common. Most cases are harmless, but some may have a more serious cause.

What are the types of cough headaches?

There are two types of cough headaches:

Primary cough headache: A primary cough headache isn’t the result of an underlying condition.
Secondary cough headache: An underlying condition causes a secondary cough headache. About half of all people who experience a cough headache have a secondary cough headache.

It’s important to see a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your headache.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.