Experiencing stomach discomfort when coughing is a common occurrence. The forceful nature of a cough puts significant strain on the body, particularly the abdominal region. While often not a cause for serious concern, understanding the potential reasons for this pain can help in determining when self-care is appropriate and when medical attention is necessary.
Abdominal Muscle Strain
Coughing involves a sudden expulsion of air, exerting pressure on the abdominal region. This forceful action directly engages and contracts the abdominal muscles. Repeated or intense coughing, such as during a prolonged illness, can lead to muscle strain, soreness, or even slight tears in these muscles.
Pain from abdominal muscle strain is typically sharp and localized, worsening with movement, deep breaths, or further coughing. It might also feel tender to the touch. Simple self-care measures can often alleviate this discomfort. Rest is beneficial, along with applying hot or cold compresses to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain until the muscles recover is also advisable.
Digestive System Conditions
Coughing can exacerbate pre-existing digestive issues, leading to pain in the stomach area. Acid reflux (GERD) involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or upper abdominal pain. Coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure, potentially worsening reflux symptoms and associated pain. Chronic cough itself can also be a symptom of acid reflux.
Hiatal hernias, where a portion of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity, can also cause stomach pain, particularly when coughing, bending over, or lifting heavy objects. This occurs because the increased pressure from coughing can compress or pinch the herniated stomach part. Other types of abdominal hernias, such as umbilical or inguinal hernias, may also cause localized pain or discomfort that worsens with increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing.
Pain from Adjacent Areas
Sometimes, stomach pain during coughing originates from areas outside the immediate abdomen but is felt there due to referred pain or proximity. The rib cage, for instance, directly moves during coughing, and conditions affecting the ribs can cause pain that radiates to the upper abdomen.
Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can cause sharp chest pain that may extend to the stomach and worsens with deep breaths or coughing. It can be linked to chest injury, physical strain from heavy lifting, or severe coughing.
Rib fractures or bruising can also lead to pain in the abdominal region, as the lower ribs protect organs like the liver and spleen. A broken rib can cause pain that intensifies with movement, deep breaths, or coughing, and in some cases, can even result from severe coughing itself. Additionally, conditions affecting the lungs or the pleura (the lining around the lungs), such as pleurisy or pneumonia, can cause sharp chest pain that might radiate downwards or be perceived in the upper abdomen, especially during coughing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of stomach pain from coughing are not serious, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or worsening. Other red flag symptoms include pain accompanied by fever or chills, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Additional concerning signs that indicate a need for a doctor’s visit include blood in phlegm, blood in urine or stool, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or a visible bulge that is painful, tender, or discolored. This information serves as general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.