Why Does Coughing Cause Stomach Pain and When to Seek Help

Why Does Your Stomach Hurt When Coughing?

Coughing fits can take a real toll on your body. Apart from sore throat and chest discomfort, abdominal pain is another common side effect. But what connects a respiratory symptom to stomachache?

How Coughing Strains Abdominal Muscles

Forceful coughing engages various muscles to expel mucus and irritants from the airways. These include the abdominal muscles like rectus abdominis and obliques.

Excessive contraction of these muscles can strain the abdominal wall, causing localized pain. Pregnant women may be especially vulnerable as expanding uterus stretches muscles.

Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure

Violent cough spasms also momentarily shoot up pressure inside the abdomen, which houses important organs. This can disrupt functioning or pin down nerves briefly eliciting pain signals.

Those with hernia or weakness in the groin area may find the burden particularly bothersome, but even healthy individuals can develop discomfort.

Underlying Medical Reasons for Abdominal Discomfort While Coughing

Though muscle strain explains most cases, some potentially serious conditions can also make your stomach or sides hurt when you cough. These include:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacteria entering urinary system via urethra causes burning sensation while peeing and pelvic cramping in UTIs. Coughing may worsen inflammation and pain.

Kidney Stones

Sharp twinges in lower back and abdominal flank while coughing can signal kidney stones. Mucus production may upset fluid balance facilitating stone displacement.

Hernia

Congenital defect or weakness in abdominal wall causes organs to displace and protrude externally. Force of coughs can worsen bulging and discomfort.

Endometriosis

Presence of uterine tissue abnormally outside the womb commonly behind ovaries or on intestines. Coughing may inflame lesions altering nerve signals.

Short-term Ways to Alleviate Abdominal Pain from Coughing

You can try these self-care measures for relief from stomach pain due to coughing:

Use Cough Suppressants

Over-the-counter cough syrups contain dextromethorphan and guaifenesin which curb urge and provide relief allowing abdominal muscles to relax.

Try Hot/Cold Compresses

Applying hot packs can relax muscle spasms and improve blood flow. Cold compresses limit nerve signals and swelling to make area numb temporarily.

Massage Stomach Gently

Light kneading using your fingers/knuckles in circular motions releases knots in abdomen providing comfort. Avoid pressing too hard.

Stay Hydrated

Sipping warm herbal tea, ginger ale, clear broths etc. keeps you hydrated thinning out mucus so coughs taper off faster lowering risk of strain.

When to See a Doctor

Stomach pain from vigorous coughing usually recedes as respiratory infection clears. But urgently consult your physician if you have -

• Persistent pain beyond a week
• Agonizing or stabbing pain
• Fever higher than 100F
• Vomiting, diarrhea or blood in urine/stool
• Urinary issues like burning sensation or incomplete emptying

As earlier explained, these can hint at UTIs, kidney stones or something more dangerous that merits medical intervention. Better safe than sorry!

How Doctors Diagnose Cause of Abdominal Pain While Coughing

Doctors use below diagnostic tests and evaluations to pinpoint why your stomach hurts when you cough -

Physical Examination

Abdominal palpation checks for inflammation, tender spots or rigidity suggesting potential problems like appendicitis. Pelvic tests done for women.

Urine and Blood Tests

Laboratory urinalysis and cultures confirm UTIs. Bloodwork evaluates counts indicating infection and kidney performance through compounds like creatinine.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasounds visualize uterine health in women. CT scans identify kidney stones or hernias. X-rays examine lungs while MRI scans tissues in-depth if required.

Medical Management Options for Abdominal Pain While Coughing

Doctors recommend suitable interventions based on examination findings. This may include:

Prescription Cough Medicines

Contain higher dose of cough suppressing agents than OTC options alongside expectorants for productive cough relief.

Antibiotics

If bacterial throat infection or UTI is the culprit, antibiotics tailored to pathogen clear it out fast along with stomach pain.

Pain Relievers

OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or stronger prescription options provide symptom relief.

Surgery

Requires immediate fixing via laparoscopy for serious issues like hernia, appendicitis, twisted ovarian cysts detected through previous testing.

Thus, while abdominal discomfort due to coughing is commonly minor, do consult doctors for proper diagnosis and treatment if very persistent or worrying signs emerge. Relaxation coupled with ample hydration also goes a long way toward easing pain!

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.