Chest pain when coughing is a common experience, often causing worry. This symptom occurs when coughing, a forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, irritates structures within the chest. While often temporary, it can signal more significant health issues. Understanding its potential origins helps determine when medical attention is necessary.
Common Reasons for Chest Pain When Coughing
Forceful coughing can strain intercostal muscles between the ribs. These muscles assist in breathing, and excessive coughing can cause them to stretch or tear, resulting in soreness and localized pain. The discomfort often intensifies with movement, deep breaths, or direct pressure on the affected area.
Airway inflammation, common in acute bronchitis, can cause chest pain when coughing. Bronchitis involves swelling and irritation of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation often leads to a persistent cough, initially dry and later productive with mucus. Repeated coughing creates soreness or discomfort in the chest.
Pleurisy involves inflammation of the pleura, the thin membranes surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. When inflamed, these layers rub against each other during breathing and coughing, causing sharp, stabbing chest pain. This pain typically worsens with deep breaths, sneezing, or movement, and may extend to the shoulder or back.
Serious Conditions Causing Chest Pain With Coughing
Pneumonia, a lung infection, often presents with chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing. This condition causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to symptoms like a severe cough, fever, chills, and shortness of breath. The associated coughing contributes to chest discomfort.
Asthma exacerbations can cause chest pain with intense coughing. During an attack, airways inflame and constrict, making breathing difficult and triggering a forceful cough. This tightness and effort manifest as pain or pressure in the chest.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can lead to chest pain and a chronic cough. Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus can irritate airways, sometimes causing a burning sensation in the chest or a persistent cough. This irritation can mimic other chest pain, and the cough can exacerbate discomfort.
Pericarditis, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart, can cause sharp chest pain that may worsen with coughing or deep breaths. The pain often feels sharp or stabbing and can spread to the shoulders or neck. Leaning forward may offer relief.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if chest pain with coughing includes severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. A high fever (above 102°F/39°C) alongside chest pain and cough requires immediate evaluation. Coughing up blood or discolored, thick mucus are concerning symptoms.
Seek care if you experience sharp, stabbing chest pain worsening with coughing or deep breaths, or radiating to the arm, jaw, or shoulder. Sudden severe chest pain after a forceful cough needs evaluation. Any chest pain with dizziness, fainting, or confusion requires urgent attention. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days, consult a doctor.
Managing Discomfort at Home
For mild chest pain and cough, rest helps recovery and reduces strain on affected muscles and airways. Staying hydrated by drinking fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Cough suppressants may be used for a dry cough, while expectorants like guaifenesin can loosen mucus for a productive cough. Consult a healthcare provider before using these medications, especially for children. A humidifier or steam from a hot shower soothes irritated airways and thins mucus. Warm drinks or throat lozenges can provide temporary relief.