Coughing often creates pressure in your head, which could later turn into a headache for some people. This pressure is usually created by the force that is required for coughing. The pressure, along with the headache, can be quite problematic to deal with. Through this discussion, we will be able to learn how to relieve head pressure from coughing. If you notice carefully, whenever we cough, a certain amount of pressure falls on our stomach or abdomen. This abdominal pressure slowly spreads to our head, resulting in a pressure buildup in our head. This pressure buildup can worsen with time, and can cause other health problems.

What are the causes of coughing?

• Before we learn how to relieve head pressure from coughing, let’s take a look at the different factors that can directly, or indirectly induce coughing in an individual.

• Coughing is caused by a variety of factors. It is a type of body reflex that helps to protect our lungs and throat from the different irritants present in the environment.

• Coughing once in a while, or occasionally is not an issue, as it helps to clear out the dust and mucus present in our airways.

• Coughing can be caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract, like the nose and throat. This type of infection is typically accompanied by sore throats, runny nose, headaches, and fever. Some of the examples include influenza, the common cold, etc.

• Infections associated with the lower respiratory tract, like pneumonia, bronchitis, etc can cause chronic coughing.

• Inhaling certain types of gasses and vapors, like ammonia, chlorine, hydrofluoric acid, etc can induce throat inflammation. This inflammation often results in severe coughing and breathing difficulties.

• Another major cause of coughing is GERD, or Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder. This is a condition where the acids secreted in the stomach rise up through the esophagus towards the throat. This induces a dry cough.

• Allergies like hay fever can also cause a dry cough accompanied by a runny nose and fever.

• Other than these, coughing can also be induced by pulmonary embolism, lung collapse, and postnasal drip.

How to relieve head pressure from coughing by different means?

• The head pressure that we feel upon coughing is caused by the abdominal pressure that radiates to our head. The severity of this head pressure varies depending on whether an individual is suffering from an acute or chronic cough.

• This head pressure can lead to severe headaches and, in some cases, dizziness. There are mainly two types of headaches that are caused by coughing. These include primary cough headaches and secondary cough headaches.

• Primary cough headaches occur during or after coughing. These types of headaches are not that serious, and generally last for a few minutes.

• Secondary cough headaches have the same symptoms as primary cough headaches. However, these headaches can last much longer than the primary headaches. They can also be accompanied by dizziness, and a loss of balance. 

• Some of the home remedies to get relief from the pressure buildup in your head include using a vaporizer or neti pot, drinking plenty of water, consuming warm foods and beverages, getting a good rest, taking over the counter medications, etc.

• If the home remedies do not work for you, then it is best to consult a doctor. There are different types of medications that the doctor may prescribe you to reduce the pressure buildup, as well as the headache. 

• These include anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the throat infection, medications to relax the blood vessels present in your brain, blood pressure medicines like Propranolol, and diuretics to lower the pressure within the skull, such as Acetazolamide.

How to prevent head pressure from coughing?

Now that we know how to relieve head pressure from coughing, let’s take a look at some of the preventive measures associated with the same. Preventing coughing will help us to avoid head pressures, as well as headaches. 

• Cough is a symptom of many diseases like the common cold, influenza, etc. As a result, preventing these diseases can help in reducing your chances of having a cough. 

• Some of the preventive methods include washing your hands properly after going to public places, especially before eating. You should also try to avoid touching your eyes and face with bare hands when in public. Instead, use a napkin or tissue.

• You should also avoid coming into contact with people suffering from the flu and other infections. It is also recommended to get a flu shot once a year.

• If you are already suffering from any of the previously mentioned diseases, then your first and foremost priority should be recovery. Generally, it takes around 5 to 7 days to completely recover from the common cold and flu.

• Drinking warm fluids, soup, inhaling steam, consuming cough syrups, staying hydrated, and taking a good rest can help you recover faster. In case your symptoms worsen, and you have difficulty doing your daily activities, then you should immediately visit a nearby hospital to get a proper checkup.

• Another thing to keep in mind is that if you are already suffering from the flu or the common cold, you should always wear a mask when going out in public. This can help to keep it from spreading to others.

Conclusion

We have discussed how to relieve head pressure from coughing. The accumulation of pressure in the head is a common symptom associated with coughing. This head pressure can lead to headaches, which are generally unilateral, or occur only on one side of the head. This headache can become severe in cases of chronic cough, and may result in loss of balance, dizziness, etc. In some cases, you can get relief from this head pressure by using simple home remedies that have been discussed above. However, if your head pressure and headache still persists after trying out these home remedies, then it is highly advisable that you visit a doctor. This is because the pressure buildup in the head can also be a symptom of other underlying health issues.