Abdominal Pain When Coughing: Causes and Home Remedies for Relief

Understanding Abdominal Pain When Coughing

Coughing is the body's natural reflex to clear the airways. However, excessive coughing can strain the muscles and tissues in the abdomen, leading to abdominal pain. Referred to medically as pleurisy, this type of pain is usually not a cause for concern. Understanding the causes and finding relief can help ease your discomfort.

What Causes Pain When Coughing?

There are a few possible explanations for abdominal pain due to coughing:

• Straining the muscles - Violent coughing motions can strain the abdominal muscles, causing muscle ache.
• Irritation of nerves - Excessive coughing can irritate the phrenic nerves, which run from the abdomen to the diaphragm, causing pain.
• Inflammation - Respiratory infections that produce phlegm and coughing can also cause inflammation in the lungs and pleura, the membrane around the lungs. This inflammation is known as pleurisy and can refer pain to the abdomen.

Common Causes of Coughs that Lead to Abdominal Pain

Coughs themselves have many potential causes that can also indirectly lead to abdominal discomfort when coughing. Common causes include:

• Common cold - Cold viruses irritate the throat and airways, triggering coughs.
• Flu - Influenza viruses cause airway inflammation and wet, productive coughs.
• Sinus infection - Post-nasal drip from sinusitis tickles the throat, provoking coughs.
• Allergies - Allergic rhinitis leading to post-nasal drip can initiate coughing.
• Asthma - Asthma attacks produce swelling in the airways and excess mucus, causing coughs.
• COPD - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease results in damaged airways, increased mucus, and coughing.
• Pneumonia - Lung infections lead to airway irritation and severe, productive coughs.
• Smoking - Smoking aggravates and inflames the airways, producing chronic coughs.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional pleuritic pain with minor coughing is usually not a concern. However, you should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Severe, sharp abdominal pain when coughing
• Pain lasting more than several days
• Difficulty taking deep breaths due to pain
• Fever over 101 F (38.3 C)
• Blood in your phlegm or vomit
• Dizziness, fatigue, or confusion
• Unexplained weight loss

These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical evaluation. Potential concerning causes include pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, COPD flare-ups, or lung cancer.

Home Remedies for Abdominal Pain from Coughing

For mild to moderate abdominal discomfort from coughing, you can try these remedies at home for relief:

Use Cough Suppressants

Cough suppressant medicines like dextromethorphan or benzonatate can reduce your urge to cough, giving your abdomen and muscles a break. This can help ease spasms and discomfort.

Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen help alleviate muscular aches and pains. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Apply Heat

Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the abdomen can help relax tense muscles causing pain. Use for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Use Throat Lozenges

Sucking on soothing throat lozenges can moisten and coat an irritated throat and quiet coughs. Menthol and eucalyptus varieties may provide additional relief.

Drink Fluids

Staying well hydrated can thin out mucus secretions and prevent a dry, tickling throat that triggers coughing. Warm liquids may be especially comforting.

Try Honey

Honeys viscous consistency can coat and soothe an irritated throat, while its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties fight infection. Add to tea or take by the spoonful.

Use a Humidifier

Breathing in warm, humidified air can loosen mucus, ease coughs, and help you avoid abdominal straining. This is especially helpful at night.

Elevate Your Head

Use extra pillows to prop your head up during sleep. This can decrease post-nasal drip contributing to coughs and prevent abdominal straining.

Avoid Cough Triggers

Steer clear of irritants like cigarette smoke that can aggravate coughing. Cover your nose and mouth when going out in cold weather.

Use Throat Sprays

Numbing throat sprays with phenol or menthol can temporarily relieve throat irritation and suppress the urge to cough.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

While home remedies may provide relief in many cases, it's a good idea to visit your doctor if you have:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Fever over 101F (38.3C)
• Blood in phlegm or vomit
• Persistent bouts of coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Unexplained weight loss

These may be signs of a lung infection, pneumonia, COPD flare-up, or other condition requiring medical treatment. Your doctor can examine your lungs, order imaging tests, and prescribe appropriate medications to manage your symptoms.

Medications to Treat Pain from Coughing

If home remedies aren't providing enough relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as:

• Cough suppressants - Prescription cough medicines with hydrocodone or codeine can effectively suppress coughs.
• Inhaled bronchodilators - Albuterol inhalers open airways and aid breathing in lung conditions like asthma.
• Anti-inflammatories - Corticosteroids like prednisone reduce airway inflammation from infections and lung disease.
• Antibiotics - Bacterial pneumonia and sinusitis may require antibiotic treatment.
• Expectorants - Guaifenesin thins mucus secretions to stop coughs.

Procedures for Severe Cases

For severe, debilitating cases, your doctor may recommend:

• Chest X-ray or CT scan - Identify lung abnormalities causing chronic coughs.
• Pulmonary function tests - Assess lung capacity and function.
• Nebulizer treatments - Deliver fast-acting bronchodilators for acute asthma or COPD exacerbations.
• Oxygen therapy - Increase oxygen levels for improved breathing and cough relief.

When to Visit the Emergency Room

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience:

• Severe chest or abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Gasping for air or inability to speak
• Blue lips or nails
• Confusion or fainting

These signs can indicate a serious medical emergency like a lung blood clot, collapsed lung, heart attack or pneumonia requiring rapid treatment.

Prevention Tips

You can help avoid coughs and associated abdominal discomfort by:

• Getting a yearly flu shot
• Avoiding contact with sick individuals
• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding touching your face
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Taking allergy medications as prescribed
• Using an air purifier at home
• Exercising and drinking fluids to stay healthy

Implementing good hygiene and lifestyle habits can help prevent respiratory illness leading to chronic coughs and secondary abdominal pain.

When to See a Gastroenterologist

In some cases, abdominal pain assumed to be from coughing may actually indicate an underlying gastrointestinal problem. You should visit a gastroenterologist if you experience:

• Frequent or severe abdominal pain
• Pain unrelated to coughing fits
• Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Blood in your stool
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Unexplained weight changes
• Family history of GI conditions

A gastroenterologist can evaluate your complete symptoms, order tests like a CT scan or endoscopy, and determine if your abdominal pain stems from a digestive problem like peptic ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstones, or inflammatory bowel disease.

The Bottom Line

Experiencing abdominal discomfort due to coughing fits can be concerning. However, in most cases it is not serious and can be managed with self-care measures. Persistent or worsening pain, difficulty breathing, or other alarming symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions. With proper treatment, bothersome coughs and associated abdominal pain can be relieved.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.