A cough that causes chest pain or a burning sensation can be concerning. While often linked to less severe conditions, this discomfort warrants attention to determine its underlying cause.
Understanding the Causes
Several factors can contribute to chest pain and a burning sensation when coughing. Upper respiratory infections like the common cold, influenza, or bronchitis often cause chest discomfort. These infections inflame the bronchial tubes, leading to a burning or aching sensation. Persistent coughing can also strain intercostal muscles, resulting in chest wall soreness that intensifies with each cough.
Acid reflux (GERD) is another common cause where stomach acid irritates the esophagus. This irritation can manifest as a burning feeling, often referred to as heartburn, which may worsen when coughing or lying down. The acid can also trigger a cough reflex, contributing to discomfort.
Asthma and allergies can also produce chest pain and tightness. Asthma causes airways to narrow and become inflamed, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Forceful coughing during an asthma attack can result in muscle soreness and chest pain.
Pleurisy involves inflammation of the pleura, the thin tissue lining the lungs and inner chest wall. When inflamed, these layers rub against each other during breathing and coughing, causing sharp, localized chest pain that often worsens with deep breaths. This condition can arise from infections, including pneumonia, or other inflammatory processes.
Less common but more serious conditions can also cause chest pain with coughing. Pneumonia leads to inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs, triggering persistent coughing and sharp chest pain. The pain can be sharp or stabbing and may worsen when coughing or breathing deeply.
A pulmonary embolism involves a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs. This condition can cause sudden, sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and a cough that may sometimes produce bloody mucus. The pain may worsen with deep breaths or coughing.
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. This inflammation can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that may worsen when coughing, swallowing, taking deep breaths, or lying flat. It often feels better when sitting up and leaning forward.
A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall. This leads to sudden, sharp chest or shoulder pain that can worsen with deep breaths or coughing.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many instances of chest pain with coughing are minor, certain symptoms signal the need for professional medical attention.
Seek medical care if chest pain is persistent or worsens, or if accompanied by shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. A high fever or chills with chest pain and coughing can indicate a significant infection.
Coughing up blood or discolored phlegm requires immediate medical assessment. Chest pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or shoulder could suggest a cardiac concern.
Sudden onset of severe pain, particularly if it lasts for 15 minutes or more, or if there is leg swelling, requires immediate medical attention. Any feeling of impending doom or severe discomfort also warrants an emergency call.
Relief and Home Management
When medical attention is not immediately required, several home strategies can help alleviate discomfort from chest pain and coughing.
Rest, allowing the body to recover and reduce the strain on respiratory muscles. Staying well-hydrated by drinking warm liquids, such as tea, or plain water helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can also soothe irritated airways and help loosen mucus.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage muscle soreness and discomfort. Cough suppressants or expectorants may also be considered, but it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist to choose the most appropriate option for your specific type of cough.
Throat lozenges or hard candies can help soothe a sore throat and reduce the urge to cough. Avoiding irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, or allergens can prevent further respiratory irritation.
Elevating the head during sleep by using extra pillows can help ease breathing and reduce postnasal drip, which often triggers coughing. For those experiencing acid reflux, dietary considerations, such as avoiding trigger foods like spicy dishes, caffeine, or fatty meals, can help reduce symptoms.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
When chest pain and burning with coughing persist or worsen, a healthcare professional will typically conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This process often involves a combination of diagnostic tests and a detailed review of symptoms.
The diagnostic process usually begins with a comprehensive patient history and a physical examination, where the doctor listens to lung and heart sounds. Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, are frequently used to visualize the lungs and identify issues like infections, inflammation, or structural abnormalities.
Blood tests may be performed to check for markers of infection or inflammation, and in some cases, to rule out conditions like blood clots. If heart-related causes are suspected, cardiac tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) might be conducted to assess heart function.
For severe acid reflux, an endoscopy or pH monitoring may be used to examine the esophagus and measure acid levels. Spirometry, a lung function test, helps diagnose or manage conditions like asthma.
Treatment approaches are tailored to the specific diagnosis. Bacterial infections, such as certain types of pneumonia or bronchitis, are typically treated with antibiotics.
For viral infections like the flu, antiviral medications might be prescribed, though many viral illnesses primarily require supportive care. Acid-reducing medications are commonly used for GERD to reduce stomach acid and soothe esophageal irritation.
For conditions like asthma, bronchodilators help open airways, while steroids can reduce inflammation. Pain management strategies are also employed, which may include specific medications or therapies to address the discomfort.
Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor might refer individuals to specialists. These include a pulmonologist for lung conditions, a gastroenterologist for digestive issues, or a cardiologist for heart-related concerns.