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What Causes Dizziness While Coughing?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Question: I HAVE ASTHMA AND WHEN I COUGH I GET VERY LIGHTHEADED AND DIZZY. I HAVE ALSO KINDA GONE INTO LA LA LAND ON TWO OCCASSIONS. I COULD HEAR WHAT WAS GOING ON AROUND ME BUT I COULDN'T RESPOND AND IT FEELS LIKE I'M HAVING AN OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
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Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Might be suffering from Cough syncope.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.

I can understand your concern.

Looking at your symptoms,you are probably suffering from cough syncope.

Cough syncope is a syndrome in which dizziness or fainting or feeling very lightheaded occurs during or after a coughing spell.

The most common cause is inappropriate cough-triggered blood pressure-heart rate relationship.Coughing stimulates autonomic nervous system reflexes. These reflexes connect the brain, heart and respiratory system. When they are stimulated, it causes blood pressure to temporarily drop, and heart rate to temporarily slow down. As a result, the brain briefly does not get enough blood, leading to fainting.
In patients with witnessed syncope but with no suggestion of seizure and no report of other neurologic symptoms or signs, the likelihood of a central nervous system (CNS) cause of the event is extremely low.

It would be advisable to consult a Physician Doctor.

Physical examination should include :blood pressure and pulse, standing and supine;cardiac examination;Carotid sinus testing(checking for autonomic nervous system hypersensitivity);Checking pulse and ideally blood pressure during Valsalva and coughing.

Routine tests should include:ECG(Electrocardigram),EEG(Electro-encephalogram)-to rule out seizures,Autonomic testing(Autonomic tests measure how the systems in the body that are controlled by the autonomic nerves respond to cough stimulation)

Treatment of Cough syncope:Decreasing the cough is the most effective treatment. Most effort is aimed at treating the cough with cough suppressants, and exhaling before coughing.

Hope this answers your query.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Riddhi Shah

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 533 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness While Coughing?

Brief Answer: Might be suffering from Cough syncope. Detailed Answer: Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic. I can understand your concern. Looking at your symptoms,you are probably suffering from cough syncope. Cough syncope is a syndrome in which dizziness or fainting or feeling very lightheaded occurs during or after a coughing spell. The most common cause is inappropriate cough-triggered blood pressure-heart rate relationship.Coughing stimulates autonomic nervous system reflexes. These reflexes connect the brain, heart and respiratory system. When they are stimulated, it causes blood pressure to temporarily drop, and heart rate to temporarily slow down. As a result, the brain briefly does not get enough blood, leading to fainting. In patients with witnessed syncope but with no suggestion of seizure and no report of other neurologic symptoms or signs, the likelihood of a central nervous system (CNS) cause of the event is extremely low. It would be advisable to consult a Physician Doctor. Physical examination should include :blood pressure and pulse, standing and supine;cardiac examination;Carotid sinus testing(checking for autonomic nervous system hypersensitivity);Checking pulse and ideally blood pressure during Valsalva and coughing. Routine tests should include:ECG(Electrocardigram),EEG(Electro-encephalogram)-to rule out seizures,Autonomic testing(Autonomic tests measure how the systems in the body that are controlled by the autonomic nerves respond to cough stimulation) Treatment of Cough syncope:Decreasing the cough is the most effective treatment. Most effort is aimed at treating the cough with cough suppressants, and exhaling before coughing. Hope this answers your query.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.