Experiencing pain on one side of the body when sneezing is a common and often startling sensation. While usually not a sign of serious health issues, this discomfort can be sharp and momentarily concerning. Understanding why this occurs provides clarity, as sneezing involves complex muscle and bodily pressures.
How Sneezing Affects the Body
A sneeze is a powerful, involuntary reflex designed to expel irritants from the nasal passages. This rapid expulsion involves a coordinated effort from several muscle groups throughout the upper body.
The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs, plays a primary role, contracting sharply to draw air into the lungs. Following this inhalation, the intercostal muscles between the ribs, along with the abdominal muscles, contract forcefully.
This intense contraction creates a sudden and significant increase in both intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic pressure. The swift buildup and release of this pressure propel air out at high speeds, effectively clearing the nasal passages. This forceful action can strain these structures, especially if compromised or awkwardly positioned.
Muscular and Skeletal Explanations
The sudden, forceful nature of a sneeze frequently leads to temporary pain stemming from muscular or skeletal issues. One common cause is muscle strain, which can affect the intercostal muscles located between the ribs, the abdominal muscles, or the muscles in the back. The abrupt, intense contraction during a sneeze can overstretch or even slightly tear these muscle fibers, resulting in sharp, localized pain that may worsen with movement or deep breaths. This type of strain is often temporary and resolves with rest.
Rib-related problems also contribute to pain when sneezing. Minor misalignments, known as rib subluxations or slipping rib syndrome, occur when a rib slightly shifts from its normal position, potentially irritating nearby nerves. The sudden movement and pressure from a sneeze can exacerbate this slight displacement, causing sharp, intermittent pain. Additionally, costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, commonly causes sharp chest pain, often on the left side, which intensifies with actions like deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
The diaphragm, being a major muscle involved in sneezing, can also be a source of pain. A diaphragmatic spasm, an involuntary contraction of this muscle, can lead to sharp, crampy, or pulling sensations. This type of pain is often worsened by sneezing, as the diaphragm undergoes a rapid and forceful contraction during the reflex. These muscular and skeletal issues are generally benign and typically improve on their own over a short period.
Underlying Conditions Aggravated by Sneezing
While muscle and skeletal issues are frequent causes, certain underlying health conditions can also have their symptoms aggravated by the pressure of a sneeze. Hernias, particularly abdominal or hiatal hernias, can be affected by the sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The forceful abdominal contraction during a sneeze can temporarily intensify pain or discomfort associated with these conditions.
Inflammation of the lung lining, a condition known as pleurisy, can cause sharp chest pain that is often worsened by deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing. The two layers of tissue surrounding the lungs, which normally glide smoothly, become inflamed and rub together, leading to pain that can be felt on either side of the chest, including the left.
Nerve compression can also lead to increased pain with sneezing. Intercostal neuralgia, for example, involves irritation, inflammation, or compression of the nerves that run between the ribs. This condition typically causes sharp, burning, or radiating pain in the rib cage area that can be severely aggravated by sudden movements like sneezing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While pain from sneezing is often harmless and temporary, there are specific situations where consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. If the pain is persistent or worsens over time, it warrants medical attention. This is particularly true if the pain is severe and debilitating, significantly impacting daily activities or sleep.
Additional symptoms accompanying the pain should also prompt a medical evaluation. These include fever, shortness of breath, severe coughing, or chest pain that does not resolve. Unexplained weight loss in conjunction with sneeze-related pain is another important indicator for seeking professional advice. If the pain follows a recent injury or trauma, or if there are any signs of infection or other systemic illness, a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate care.