Experiencing pain on the left side of the stomach when coughing can be a concerning sensation. This discomfort, while often benign and temporary, can also signal underlying conditions that range in severity. Understanding its causes is important for determining when medical attention is needed. This article explores why coughing causes abdominal pain and outlines common and serious left-sided causes.
How Coughing Impacts Abdominal Pain
Coughing involves the coordinated contraction of chest, abdominal, and pelvic muscles to forcefully expel air from the lungs. This action significantly increases intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as abdominal muscles contract and the diaphragm moves upward. Specific abdominal muscles like the rectus abdominis and obliques contribute to this force.
This sudden and intense pressure can strain or irritate structures within the abdominal cavity. Forceful contractions can lead to muscle soreness, similar to what might be felt after an intense workout. If there are pre-existing conditions or sensitivities in the abdominal area, the increased pressure and muscle engagement during a cough can intensify any discomfort.
Common Causes of Left-Sided Abdominal Pain
Left-sided abdominal pain with coughing often stems from common issues. Muscle strain is a frequent culprit, occurring when abdominal muscles are overstretched or overworked by vigorous coughing. This can result in a dull ache or tenderness that worsens with movement or further coughing. Strains are common after intense coughing from respiratory infections like bronchitis or the flu.
Digestive issues can also contribute to left-sided pain. Trapped gas in the colon, especially in the upper left abdomen (splenic flexure), can cause localized pain that worsens with coughing. Indigestion, characterized by discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen, can likewise be aggravated by coughing, especially if it involves irritation of the stomach lining. Constipation can lead to generalized abdominal discomfort, and the straining from coughing might intensify pain in the lower left abdomen if stool buildup is present.
Conditions Requiring Medical Attention
While many causes are mild, some conditions causing left-sided abdominal pain with coughing require medical evaluation. Diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, commonly affects the lower left abdomen. Pain from diverticulitis can be persistent and worsen with movement or coughing; accompanying symptoms may include fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits, or bloating.
Kidney stones, especially in the left kidney or ureter, cause sharp pain radiating from the back to the side, intensifying with coughing. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas in the upper left abdomen, typically causes severe, constant upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back. This pain can be worsened by coughing or deep breathing; other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, and a rapid pulse.
An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal muscles, causing a bulge and pain. The increased intra-abdominal pressure during coughing can exacerbate the pain and make the bulge more prominent.
Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining, primarily causes sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing. While primarily chest-related, the pain can sometimes radiate to the upper abdominal area. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can cause referred pain to the upper abdomen due to irritation of the diaphragm.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Seek medical advice if left-sided abdominal pain when coughing is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These “red flags” include a high fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, difficulty breathing, or severe nausea and vomiting. Blood in stool or urine also necessitates prompt medical evaluation. If the pain follows a recent injury or if there is a visible bulge in the abdomen, a medical consultation is advisable.
A healthcare professional will typically begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Depending on the initial assessment, further diagnostic tests may be ordered. These may include laboratory tests (e.g., complete blood count, urinalysis) and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan). These evaluations help pinpoint the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.