Very Bad Coughing Fits

Question

I seem to be having a bout of Bronchitis. This is the third time in the past five years. Just before this occurrence I quit smoking. 

The big difference this time I get into a coughing fit that I cannot stop. I'm sitting down and lean forward only to get a rush of pressure to my head, get dizzy and feel a buzzing wave or rush through my head. The first time this happened I was in a car (as a passenger) when I tried to relax from coughing the next thing I knew was my friends shaking me and telling me I must have passed out(my eyes rolled back and i was biting down on my tounge). I remember the time frame and what I was doing but not what was going on around me. This has now occurred 3 other times when I could not suppress the cough.

Can someone pass out from a coughing fit?
Is it akin to hyperventilation?

Thank You

Casey57 · Answer

A related discussion, Violent Coughing was started.

knowledgephile · Answer

Hi Nick,

I have had the same exact thing happen to me. Did you ever find out what was going on? I am getting greatly concerned. Two weekends ago, I passed out in the bathroom of a book store. Twice last night I almost passed out. How you described what was going on with you is exactly what is going on with me. I cough and half the time I can just stop. I go into a fit. I may not get dizzy with every cough but I do with at least 50% of them. I get the rush of pressure to my head also.

NJC...what is a vagal reflex?

Thanks a lot
Knowledgephile...

NJC-R.N.-DC · Answer

It is not so rare to have this occur with violent coughing episodes.  It is more like a "vagal reflex" than a hyperventilation episode.  If you are experiencing this type of reaction, I would suggest speaking with your physician about this.

Very Bad Coughing Fits

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