Experiencing dizziness when you cough or sneeze can be an unsettling sensation, leaving many people wondering what causes this unexpected reaction.
While coughing and sneezing are natural reflexes that help clear the airways, the accompanying dizziness can be concerning.
In this article, we’ll explore the various physiological mechanisms behind this phenomenon, shedding light on why a simple sneeze or cough can make you feel momentarily lightheaded and when it might be time to seek medical advice.
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Why Do I Get Dizzy When I Cough or Sneeze?
Experiencing dizziness when you cough or sneeze is fairly common and usually happens due to a few physiological reasons:
- Increased Pressure in the Chest and Head: When you cough or sneeze, the sudden force creates a temporary increase in pressure inside your chest (intrathoracic pressure) and head (intracranial pressure). This pressure can momentarily reduce blood flow to the brain, causing you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.
- Vagal Response: Coughing or sneezing can stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain to your abdomen. This stimulation can cause a temporary drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a feeling of dizziness or faintness.
- Changes in Oxygen Levels: During a strong cough or sneeze, you may briefly hold your breath or exhale forcefully, which can cause a slight drop in oxygen levels. This reduction can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Inner Ear Pressure: The pressure changes associated with coughing or sneezing can also affect the inner ear, which plays a role in maintaining balance. Any disruption in the inner ear can cause dizziness.
Note: While occasional dizziness during coughing or sneezing is usually not a cause for concern, if it happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.
What Happens When You Cough?
Coughing is a natural reflex that your body uses to clear the airways of irritants, such as mucus, dust, or other foreign particles.
When you cough, the process involves several steps:
- Irritation: The cough reflex is triggered by irritation in the airways, which can be caused by various factors like smoke, allergens, or respiratory infections.
- Inhalation: Before you cough, you take a quick, deep breath. This helps build up the necessary air pressure in your lungs.
- Closure of the Vocal Cords: The vocal cords (glottis) momentarily close, trapping the air in your lungs.
- Forceful Expulsion: The diaphragm and chest muscles contract forcefully, generating pressure that suddenly opens the vocal cords and expels the trapped air. This burst of air travels through the trachea at high speed, helping to clear the irritants from your airways.
Note: Coughing serves as a protective mechanism to keep your respiratory system clear and functioning properly.
What Happens When You Sneeze?
Sneezing is a protective reflex, primarily aimed at expelling irritants from the nasal passages.
The process of sneezing involves the following steps:
- Irritation: The sneeze reflex is triggered by irritation in the nasal passages, often due to allergens, dust, strong odors, or even a sudden change in temperature.
- Deep Inhalation: Similar to coughing, you take a deep breath just before sneezing. This action fills your lungs with air.
- Build-up of Pressure: Your body prepares to expel the irritant by temporarily closing the vocal cords (glottis) and building up pressure in the chest.
- Expulsion: The chest muscles and diaphragm contract forcefully, causing a sudden release of air through the nose and mouth. This expulsion is rapid and powerful, capable of clearing irritants from the nasal passages.
Note: Sneezing is your body’s way of protecting your respiratory system by forcefully expelling unwanted particles from the nose.
Can Coughing Cause Vertigo?
Yes, coughing can sometimes cause vertigo, although it is relatively uncommon. This phenomenon is known as “cough-induced vertigo” or “cough syncope.”
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can result from disturbances in the inner ear or central nervous system.
When you cough forcefully, several things can happen that might lead to vertigo:
- Increased Intrathoracic Pressure: A strong cough can increase pressure in your chest, which can then affect blood flow to the brain. This reduced blood flow can lead to dizziness or vertigo.
- Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve: Coughing can stimulate the vagus nerve, which can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially leading to dizziness or vertigo.
- Impact on the Inner Ear: The inner ear, which helps control balance, can be affected by pressure changes during coughing. This disruption can cause vertigo-like symptoms.
- Cough Syncope: In rare cases, coughing can cause a brief loss of consciousness, which may be preceded or followed by vertigo. This is more likely to occur in individuals with underlying cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Note: If coughing frequently leads to vertigo or if the episodes are severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions, such as inner ear disorders, cardiovascular issues, or neurological problems.
Is it Normal to Get Lightheaded When Coughing?
Yes, it can be normal to feel lightheaded when coughing, especially during a forceful or prolonged cough.
When you cough, the sudden increase in pressure within your chest (intrathoracic pressure) can reduce blood flow to the brain temporarily, leading to a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness.
This is usually a short-lived sensation and is not typically a cause for concern. However, if you experience frequent or severe lightheadedness during coughing, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.
What is Cough Syncope?
Cough syncope is a condition where a person temporarily loses consciousness (faints) after coughing. It occurs due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate triggered by a strong or prolonged cough.
The cough increases pressure in the chest, which can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to fainting. This condition is more common in individuals with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular issues, but it can occur in healthy individuals as well.
What is Sneeze Syncope?
Sneeze syncope is a rare condition in which a person temporarily loses consciousness (faints) after sneezing. Similar to cough syncope, the act of sneezing can increase pressure within the chest and decrease blood flow to the brain, causing a brief loss of consciousness.
Sneeze syncope is less common than cough syncope, but it can still occur, particularly in people with certain cardiovascular or neurological conditions.
FAQs About Dizziness When Coughing or Sneezing
What Causes Dizziness When You Sneeze?
Dizziness when you sneeze is often caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. When you sneeze, the sudden force and pressure changes in your chest and head can momentarily reduce the amount of blood reaching your brain.
This reduction can lead to a brief feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. Additionally, the pressure changes can affect the inner ear, which plays a key role in balance, further contributing to the sensation of dizziness.
Why Do They Say “God Bless You” When You Sneeze?
The phrase “God bless you” when someone sneezes has historical and cultural roots. One theory dates back to ancient times when people believed that a sneeze could expel evil spirits or that the soul temporarily left the body during a sneeze, requiring a blessing for protection.
Another theory is that during the plague in the 6th century, Pope Gregory I suggested saying “God bless you” as a prayer to protect against the illness. Over time, the phrase became a common expression of goodwill or politeness when someone sneezes.
Does Your Heart Stop When You Sneeze?
No, your heart does not stop when you sneeze. However, the forceful nature of a sneeze can cause a brief change in the rhythm of your heartbeat.
When you sneeze, the increased pressure in your chest temporarily affects blood flow, which can momentarily alter the heart’s rhythm. While it may feel like your heart skips a beat, it does not actually stop. This is a normal response and is usually not a cause for concern.
Can Allergies Make You Dizzy?
Yes, allergies can make you feel dizzy. Allergies often cause nasal congestion, which can lead to inflammation and pressure in the sinuses.
This pressure can affect the inner ear, which is responsible for balance, leading to dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness.
Additionally, allergic reactions can trigger inflammation that affects blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, further contributing to dizziness.
Is it Normal to Get Lightheaded When Blowing Your Nose?
Yes, it is normal to feel lightheaded when blowing your nose, especially if you blow forcefully. Blowing your nose can increase pressure in your chest and head, reducing blood flow to the brain for a brief moment.
This can cause a temporary sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness. If this happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.
Should I Hold in My Sneeze?
No, it is generally not recommended to hold in your sneeze. Holding in a sneeze can create excessive pressure in your nasal passages, ears, and chest, which may lead to complications such as ruptured eardrums, sinus damage, or even blood vessel injuries.
While sneezing can be inconvenient, it’s safer to let it out, preferably into a tissue or your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
What’s the Best Way to Cough?
The best way to cough is to do so in a manner that is both effective and hygienic. Here’s how:
- Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow (not your hands) to cover your mouth and nose when coughing. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your throat moist and make your cough more productive if you’re dealing with mucus.
- Take Deep Breaths: Before coughing, take a deep breath to ensure your cough is strong enough to clear your airways effectively.
- Cough Gently: If you have a persistent or dry cough, try to cough gently to avoid straining your chest muscles or causing irritation.
Note: By following these steps, you can minimize the spread of germs while making your cough more effective.
What’s the Best Way to Sneeze?
The best way to sneeze is to do so in a way that reduces the spread of germs and minimizes the impact on your body:
- Use a Tissue: If possible, sneeze into a tissue to catch the droplets and dispose of the tissue immediately.
- Sneeze into Your Elbow: If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into the inside of your elbow rather than your hands. This helps prevent the spread of germs through touch.
- Don’t Hold It In: As mentioned earlier, holding in a sneeze can cause harm, so it’s best to let it out naturally.
- Turn Away from Others: If you feel a sneeze coming, try to turn away from people around you to minimize the spread of germs.
Note: Following these guidelines helps you sneeze safely and courteously.
When Should You See a Doctor for Dizziness When Coughing or Sneezing?
You should see a doctor for dizziness when coughing or sneezing if:
- The Dizziness is Frequent or Severe: If you experience dizziness regularly or it is intense enough to affect your daily activities, it’s worth getting evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- You Experience Other Symptoms: If your dizziness is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat, you should seek medical attention promptly.
- It Interferes with Your Quality of Life: If the dizziness is causing you to feel anxious, disrupting your routine, or if you have concerns about it, consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the cause and provide peace of mind.
Note: Persistent dizziness could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it’s always better to get it checked out if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
Dizziness during coughing or sneezing is often a temporary and harmless reaction caused by increased pressure in the chest and head, stimulation of the vagus nerve, or changes in oxygen levels.
Understanding these underlying causes can help alleviate concerns and highlight when medical attention may be necessary.
While this sensation is usually not a cause for alarm, persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health issues.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- Mathis S, Lamy M, Ciron J, Iljicsov A, Arjmand R, Agius P, Neau JP. Paroxysmal sneezing at the onset of syncopes and transient ischemic attack revealing a papillary cardiac fibroelastoma. Case Rep Neurol Med. 2014.
- Algahtani H, Shirah B. Cough syncope induced by post nasal drip successfully managed by Gabapentin. Respir Med Case Rep. 2017.