Experiencing pain above the eye when coughing can be perplexing. While often not serious, this discomfort prompts many to seek answers. This article explores common causes and offers guidance on when to seek medical advice.
How Coughing Triggers Pain
Coughing involves a sudden, forceful expulsion of air, which significantly increases pressure within the chest and abdomen. This rise in pressure can then transmit to the head, leading to an abrupt, though temporary, elevation in intracranial pressure (ICP). This rapid pressure change can activate sensitive structures within the head, including blood vessels, nerves, and the lining of the brain, causing discomfort. For individuals already experiencing a headache, the act of coughing can intensify the existing pain due to this pressure fluctuation.
The transient increase in pressure can also affect intraocular pressure. Although usually brief, this effect can contribute to the sensation of pain or pressure felt specifically above the eye. Activities such as sneezing, straining, or bending over can produce similar pressure changes and trigger comparable sensations.
Common Causes of Pain Above the Eye When Coughing
Sinusitis and Allergies
Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, known as sinusitis, is a frequent cause of pain felt around the eyes and forehead. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones of the face, including those above the eyes. When these become inflamed or congested due to infection or allergies, the trapped mucus and swelling create pressure that can worsen with coughing. This pain may feel like facial pressure, particularly around the nose, eyes, and forehead, and can intensify when bending forward.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are common and often described as a feeling of pressure or tightness around the head. Muscle tension in the head and neck can contribute to this type of headache. The physical exertion and pressure changes from coughing can aggravate existing tension headaches, making the pain more noticeable above the eye.
Migraines
While coughing does not directly cause migraines, it can act as a trigger or exacerbate the pain during a migraine attack. Migraines are severe headaches often characterized by throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea. The pressure changes associated with coughing can intensify the pain of an ongoing migraine, particularly around the eye area.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are a less common but severe type of headache that typically causes intense pain in or around one eye. These headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms on the affected side, such as a watery eye, droopy eyelid, or nasal congestion. In some cases, coughing or other Valsalva maneuvers (straining) can trigger or intensify a cluster headache attack.
Upper Respiratory Infections (Cold/Flu)
General inflammation and congestion associated with upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, can lead to headaches and facial pain. The body’s response to infection can make the head more sensitive to pressure changes. Coughing, which is a common symptom of these infections, can exacerbate the headache and discomfort felt above the eyes due to increased pressure and inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Eye Strain or Fatigue
Prolonged visual tasks or uncorrected vision problems can lead to eye strain, causing a feeling of mild pressure or pain behind the eyes. While not a direct cause, existing eye fatigue can make the area more susceptible to discomfort. When coughing, the temporary increase in pressure can make this already sensitive region feel more painful.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While pain above the eye when coughing is often benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek professional attention if the pain is severe and sudden, often described as a “thunderclap headache,” as this could indicate a serious underlying condition.
Other concerning signs include pain accompanied by a high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or numbness. Vision changes, such as temporary loss, blurred vision, or double vision, especially when triggered by coughing or straining, also require prompt medical assessment. Pain that worsens progressively, occurs after a head injury, or is persistent without a clear cause should also be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If dizziness, unsteadiness, or fainting accompany the pain, consult a doctor to rule out more serious issues.
Relief and Management Strategies
For discomfort related to common conditions, several home remedies can offer relief. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water or herbal tea helps thin mucus, which can reduce coughing and associated pressure. Rest also allows the body to recover and can help alleviate general discomfort.
Applying warm or cold compresses to the forehead or over the eyes can help manage localized pain and pressure. Steam inhalation, such as from a hot shower or a bowl of warm water, can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion, potentially easing pain from sinusitis. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce general headache pain and inflammation. If coughing is the primary trigger, using cough drops or suppressants might help minimize the frequency and intensity of coughing fits.