Coughing is one of those reflexes we usually don’t think twice about, but what if your stomach hurts when you cough? If you’re experiencing stomach pain when you cough, you may be wondering why. Coughing is normal and necessary, but it also can signal something else is going on.
This article will explore the possible reasons why your stomach hurts when you cough, what might be causing it, and when it’s time to see a doctor. We’ll also discuss ways to find relief and how to understand your body’s signals. Knowing when to seek professional help is also key, so we’ll cover that, too.
Understanding the cough mechanism and its impact
Coughing is how your body forcefully ejects air from your lungs, usually to get rid of an irritant or infection. It’s your body’s way of protecting your airways.
When you cough, your chest and abdominal muscles contract to build up pressure. Intense coughing can put a lot of pressure on your abdomen.
The link between coughing and stomach pain
If you cough a lot or cough very hard, you can strain your abdominal muscles, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
The increased pressure inside your abdomen while you’re coughing can also worsen existing conditions or even trigger new ones, such as a hernia.
Sometimes, pain in other areas, like your chest, can feel like it’s coming from your stomach.
Common health conditions associated with coughing and stomach pain
A few different health conditions can cause coughing and stomach pain to occur at the same time. Here are some of the more common ones:
Respiratory infections
Bronchitis and pneumonia are respiratory infections that cause inflammation and a lot of coughing, which can strain your abdominal muscles. The forceful and persistent coughing that comes with these conditions can lead to significant pain and discomfort in your abdomen.
Gastrointestinal issues
Coughing can worsen acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), leading to stomach pain and discomfort. The increased pressure in your abdomen can force stomach acid up into your esophagus, which causes heartburn and pain.
Musculoskeletal problems
As we discussed earlier, repetitive coughing can strain your abdominal muscles, resulting in a common, but temporary, stomach pain.
Hernias
Coughing can make existing hernias worse, or it can even lead to a new hernia, due to the amount of pressure coughing puts on your abdomen. The pain will likely be right at the site of the hernia.
Other potential causes
Though it’s less likely, severe coughing might make the pain of appendicitis worse. Coughing can also exacerbate the abdominal pain of diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of diverticula in the colon. And if you have pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, coughing can increase your abdominal pain.
Where does it hurt?
Knowing where your stomach hurts can help you figure out what’s wrong. When you cough, is the pain located:
- In your upper abdomen? This could point to problems with your stomach, esophagus, or pancreas, such as acid reflux or pancreatitis.
- In your lower abdomen? This may mean you have a problem with your intestines, appendix, or reproductive organs (if you’re a woman). Some possibilities are appendicitis, diverticulitis, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis.
- On one side? This might be kidney stones, ovarian cysts, or diverticulitis.
It’s also important to pay attention to the type of pain. If the pain is sharp and stabbing, seek medical care right away.
When should I see a doctor?
Mild stomach pain when you cough often goes away on its own. But some symptoms require immediate medical care. You should seek help for severe or ongoing stomach pain that occurs when you cough.
Go to the emergency room if you have:
- Trouble breathing
- A high fever
- Vomiting, especially if there’s blood
- Severe, sharp, or constant pain in your abdomen
- Bloody stool
People with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD should be extra cautious and contact their doctor right away if they experience stomach pain when coughing.
How to prevent stomach pain when you cough
There are a few steps you can take to avoid stomach pain caused by coughing.
- Stay healthy. Get regular exercise, eat well, and drink lots of water.
- Avoid irritants. Don’t smoke, and try to avoid places where you’ll be exposed to air pollution.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands often to avoid catching colds and other respiratory infections. When there’s a high risk of infection, wear a mask in public places.
- Try home remedies. If you develop a cough, try honey, ginger tea, or steam inhalation to relieve discomfort.
Putting It All Together
Stomach pain when you cough can be a real worry, but understanding what might be causing it and when you should see a doctor can help you stay calm and get the care you need.
Taking steps to prevent coughing, taking good care of yourself, and talking to a healthcare provider when necessary are all important for managing this symptom and keeping yourself healthy.
If your cough and stomach pain won’t go away, it’s important to seek professional medical advice and get an accurate diagnosis, so you can begin the right treatment.