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Question

why do i get light headed when coughing.


Sent to Health Experts January 09, 2006 8:22 a.m.
i am a smoker and when coughing hard i frequently get light headed and stay that way for 2-15 seconds 5-8 times a day

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Male , Age: 37

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Answer
January 09, 2006 9:16 a.m. (54 minutes and 35 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
coughing creates a vasovagal reaction-    Vasovagal reaction: A reflex of the involuntary nervous system that causes the heart to slow down (bradycardia) and that, at the same time, affects the nerves to the blood vessels in the legs permitting those vessels to dilate (widen). As a result the heart puts out less blood, the blood pressure drops, and what blood is circulating tends to go into the legs rather than to the head. The brain is deprived of oxygen and gives a transient sensation of lightheadedness.

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DrStephanie
PictureS. Sarisky DO.  -- Doctor -- 98% Positive Feedback on 505 Health Accepts
board certified family physician 12 yrs
Reply
Sent January 09, 2006 11:57 a.m. (2 hours and 41 minutes later)
is this something that is dangerous or is it normal.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 09, 2006 1:54 p.m. (1 hour and 56 minutes later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
it is not dangerous and is quite a normal sensation-however it is the coughing itself that is not ok. Your smoking may be causing you a chronic bronchitis which is your first step in the process of developing emphysema. You would do well to look into smoking cessation

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DrStephanie
PictureS. Sarisky DO.  -- Doctor -- 98% Positive Feedback on 505 Health Accepts
board certified family physician 12 yrs

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