Does COPD Cause Headaches
Headaches can be caused by a variety of harmless factors, such as stress, muscle strain, and dehydration, and most people experience them at least occasionally. However, as a nonspecific symptom, headaches can also indicate more serious health issues or appear alongside certain chronic conditions. If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and also experience headaches, you may wonder whether the two are related.
This article explains what COPD is, explores whether COPD causes headaches, and discusses how to address them alongside other related symptoms.
What is COPD?
COPD is a chronic lung condition and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. COPD is an umbrella term for its two main conditions, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In most cases, it’s caused by cigarette smoke, but it can also develop due to exposure to air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, or smoke from burning wood or coal.
People with COPD often report difficulty breathing, including symptoms like shortness of breath, a chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections, and fatigue. This occurs because COPD causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, along with irreversible damage to the lung tissue. If not appropriately managed, these progressively worsening symptoms can have a significantly negative impact on a person’s quality of life, restricting their ability to be physically active and leading to frequent hospitalizations.
Does COPD Cause Headaches
Although it’s mainly associated with breathing and lung-related symptoms as outlined above, COPD causes headaches under certain conditions. This can occur when oxygen levels drop too low (hypoxemia) or carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) are elevated in the blood. This is more common in poorly managed and advanced cases of COPD. COPD-related headaches also occur more often in the mornings, since shallow breathing at night can result in CO₂ buildup.
In addition to abnormal oxygen and CO₂ levels, COPD can indirectly contribute to headaches since it may cause fatigue, coughing, and poor sleep. People with COPD also often experience sleep apnea, which may be another reason for headaches.
How to Treat COPD and Related Headaches
Although COPD is a progressive disease and can’t be cured, managing this condition properly can make a significant difference for an individual’s health and overall quality of life. Alongside other primary symptoms, this can also help you address COPD-related headaches. Patients are typically prescribed medications in the form of inhalers. Bronchodilators can help you open your airways, while corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation. Common examples include medications such as Advair Diskus or Breo Ellipta.
Additionally, patients often benefit from targeted exercises, specific breathing techniques, and lifestyle changes. For example, this may involve quitting smoking and avoiding air pollution, which could further worsen COPD symptoms. Staying active, hydrated, and eating a healthy, balanced and nutrient-rich diet may also benefit your lung health. If you frequently experience headaches or have abnormal blood oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen may help you prevent headaches and improve your energy levels. Finally, exploring other possible health conditions that may cause headaches, such as sleep apnea, may be helpful.
