Why Stomachs Hurt When Coughing: Explaining the Common Symptom

Reasons Your Stomach May Hurt When You Cough

It's not unusual for your stomach to hurt when you cough if you have a cold or flu. Several explanations exist for this common symptom combo. Learning the connections between coughs and abdominal discomfort can help you manage illness-related tummy troubles.

How Coughing Strains Abdominal Muscles

Coughing generates intense pressure in the abdomen as the muscles contract forcefully. This strains muscles and organs unused to such vigorous, repetitive movements over extended coughing bouts.

Intense Muscle Contractions

When you cough, your abdominal muscles tense suddenly with great intensity. This exerts strain on the abdominal wall not typically experienced during normal activity. Prolonged, repeated tense-and-release leads to muscle tenderness.

Organ Movement

The abdominal cavity contains moveable digestive organs indirectly affected by violent coughs. The stomach, intestines and liver all get jostled forcefully around the abdomen during coughing fits. This can leave internal abdominal structure and connective tissues feeling sore.

Diaphragm Displacement

The diaphragm domes upward into the chest cavity when inhaling then flattens upon exhalation. Coughing intensely recruits and deforms the diaphragm beyond its normal scope, which indirectly shifts abdominal organs. This atypical displacement adds strain.

How Respiratory Infections Cause Abdominal Discomfort

Beyond muscular factors, respiratory illnesses like colds and the flu also contribute to abdominal discomfort in other physiological ways:

Congestion & Post-Nasal Drip

Chest congestion and post-nasal drip often accompany the coughing, sneezing and sore throats of colds or flu. Mucus drips can irritate the stomach lining or overstimulate digestive reflexes like nausea.

Inflammation

These illnesses also cause systemic inflammation, including around internal abdominal organs. This can make organs more sensitive and easily bothered by intense coughing movements and contractions.

Muscle Knots

Long bouts of coughing can provoke painful muscle knots and spasms in core abdominal areas from overexertion. This leaves muscles feeling tender, stiff and strained.

Tips to Soothe Abdominal Discomfort When Coughing

Several supportive self-care measures can ease a sore stomach when coughs strike:

Rest

Get extra rest to calm coughs and give abdominal tissues a break from strain. Prop yourself comfortably using pillows as needed to minimize painful coughing jags.

Heat Therapy

Apply heating pads or hot water bottles over the abdomen to encourage muscle relaxation between coughs. Soak in warm baths to relieve discomfort all over.

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate low abdominal soreness aggravated by coughing.

Cough Suppressants

Cough medications containing suppressing ingredients like dextromethorphan or codeine derivative help control fits. This prevents strain from continual contractions.

Abdominal Massage

Gently massaging the abdomen not only brings comfort but also aids relaxation. Use light, circular strokes focusing on tight or tender areas.

Healthy Fluids

Staying hydrated with water, broths and herbal teas eases abdominal discomfort and thinning out mucus. Fluids also prevent dehydration from fever, sweating and poor intake while sick.

Seeking Medical Care for Ongoing Discomfort

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if abdominal pain persists beyond your respiratory illness or causes concerning symptoms. Continual discomfort could indicate injuries requiring treatment or an unrelated abdominal condition.

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.