Why do I see multiple whitish sparks for a few seconds when I cough?

Seeing Whitish Sparks When Coughing: Physiological Explanation

The whitish sparks you see when coughing are likely due to increased intrathoracic pressure affecting blood flow to your eyes and brain, causing temporary visual phenomena.

Mechanism of Visual Phenomena During Cough

• During coughing, your body follows a specific physiological pattern that includes an inspiratory phase, compression phase with glottic closure, and expiratory phase 1
• The compression phase involves complete closure of the glottis while expiratory muscles contract, generating extremely high intrathoracic pressures that can reach up to 300 mmHg 2
• This dramatic increase in pressure affects cerebral blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which can temporarily alter visual perception 3

Specific Physiological Effects

• When you cough, the high intrathoracic pressure:
  • Reduces cardiac output, causing decreased systemic blood pressure and potentially cerebral hypoperfusion 3
  • Increases cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which creates increased extravascular pressure around cranial vessels 3
  • Can affect retinal blood flow and pressure, leading to temporary visual disturbances perceived as "sparks" or "flashes" 1, 3

Similar Phenomena and Related Conditions

• This visual phenomenon shares mechanisms with more severe conditions like cough syncope, where extreme coughing leads to loss of consciousness 3
• The typical profile of someone experiencing cough-related visual or neurological symptoms is often a middle-aged individual with forceful cough 3
• These visual disturbances are generally transient and resolve quickly after the coughing episode ends 1

When to Be Concerned

• Occasional visual phenomena with coughing are usually benign, but persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical evaluation 4
• Seek medical attention if:
  • Visual disturbances persist after coughing stops 4
  • You experience other neurological symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness 3
  • The cough itself is chronic (lasting more than 8 weeks in adults) 4

Managing the Underlying Cough

• Addressing the underlying cause of your cough may help reduce these visual phenomena 4
• Common causes of chronic cough include:
  • Upper airway cough syndrome (post-nasal drip) 4
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease 4
  • Asthma and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis 4
  • Post-infectious cough (which can persist for weeks after a respiratory infection) 1, 5

Prevention Strategies

• Avoid triggers that worsen your cough 4
• Stay well-hydrated to keep airway secretions thin 4
• If cough is severe, speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate cough suppressants or treatments for the underlying cause 4
• Consider evaluation for uncommon causes if your cough persists despite standard treatments 1

Remember that while the visual phenomena are typically harmless, the underlying cough may require treatment, especially if persistent or severe.