Cough syncope (fainting while coughing)
About Cough syncope (fainting while coughing)
Fainting while coughing or just after a coughing spell. The fainting is usually associated with severe and prolonged episodes of coughing. This disorder is much more common in adult men. Coughing stimulates autonomic nervous system reflexes connecting the brain, heart and respiratory system. This causes blood pressure to temporarily drop, and heart rate to temporarily slow down. As a result, the brain briefly does not get enough blood. Smoking increases the likelihood of this problem.Symptoms
Fainting or feeling very lightheaded during or after a coughing spell.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and an EKG may be performed to rule out other causes of the fainting. An x-ray may be done to determine the cause of the cough.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, X-ray.
Conventional treatment summary
Decreasing the cough is the most effective treatment. The treatment selected by the healthcare provider to alleviate the cough depends on the cause of the cough. Stopping smoking can eliminate the problem as well.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Cardiology · Pulmonology · Family Practice
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Cough syncope (fainting while coughing).