Why Coughing So Much Makes Your Stomach Hurt and How to Find Relief

Coughing So Much Your Stomach Hurts? Causes and How to Find Relief

When you're caught in an intense coughing fit, you may notice pain or cramping in your stomach region. The abdominal discomfort resulting from frequent strong coughs can add insult to injury when you're already dealing with a stubborn cough.

But why does excessive coughing cause stomach pain for some people? And what can you do to get relief when your stomach hurts from coughing too much?

Here is an in-depth look at the reasons behind this symptom and tips for minimizing discomfort when your stomach is distressed from frequent coughs.

What Causes Stomach Pain from Coughing?

There are a few key reasons forceful, repeated coughing can trigger stomach pain and abdominal cramping:

• Muscle strain - The abdomen uses many muscles to generate a cough. Vigorous contraction of these muscles from frequent coughing can overwork them, causing soreness and pain. The rectus abdominis muscle which covers the front of the abdomen is especially prone to strain.
• Diaphragm irritation - The diaphragm muscle which separates the chest from the abdomen is also involved in coughing. Excessive contraction from repeated coughs can inflame the diaphragm, causing upper abdominal discomfort.
• Increased pressure - Coughing exerts greater pressure inside the abdomen, which can squeeze internal organs, putting pressure on the stomach, intestines, and liver.
• Hernia risk - Forcible coughs also raise the chances of developing a hernia, which occurs when internal tissues push through weak spots in surrounding muscle or connective tissue, often causing pain.

Furthermore, there are secondary effects of severe coughing that can also contribute to stomach troubles.

Secondary Effects on the Stomach

In addition to direct strain from coughing, other impacts can upset the stomach when coughs are forceful and nonstop:

• Nausea - The pressure spikes in the abdomen from coughing can trigger nausea and vomiting reflexes.
• Headaches - Cough-related headaches from exertion and strain can indirectly cause stomach discomfort.
• Lightheadedness - Intense coughing may prompt lightheadedness or dizziness which can upset the stomach.
• Dehydration - Excessive coughing leads to fluid loss which can cause abdominal cramping if dehydration becomes significant.
• Fatigue - Extreme tiredness from ongoing coughs can manifest as stomach discomfort and general bodily achiness.

When a cough is severe enough, these secondary impacts often contribute to worsening stomach troubles.

Who is Most Prone to Stomach Pain When Coughing?

Those most likely to experience abdominal discomfort from repeated coughing include:

• Individuals with chronic coughs - Ongoing coughs from conditions like COPD or asthma that recur daily put extra strain on the stomach over time.
• People with weak core muscles - Those with poor abdominal muscle tone are more prone to strain and pain when coughing.
• The elderly - Older adults tend to have weaker abdominal muscles making them more susceptible.
• Pregnant women - Later pregnancy puts greater pressure on the abdomen during coughs raising discomfort risks.
• Those with prior hernias - People with a history of abdominal hernias have weak spots vulnerable to increased pressure from coughing.
• Smokers - Chronic smokers tend to have more frequent, productive coughs which can worsen pain.

However, even those in good health can experience stomach achiness if they have an intense, acute cough from a chest cold or flu.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

In most cases, minor abdominal discomfort from coughing will resolve on its own once the cough improves. But seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Intense, severe stomach pain
• Persistent vomiting or nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever over 101 F (38.3 C)
• Bloody cough
• New swelling or visible bulge in abdomen
• Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness
• No improvement after several days

These may indicate complications like pneumonia, hernia, or other issues needing medical treatment beyond basic home care.

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain from Coughing

To help find relief when your stomach hurts from repeated coughs, try these home care tips:

Cough Suppression

Most importantly, suppressing the cough as much as possible will ease the source of the abdominal pain. Options include:

• Cough syrups containing suppressants like dextromethorphan or codeine
• Lozenges and throat sprays containing anesthetics to reduce cough reflex
• Using a humidifier to moisten and soothe airways
• Sucking on hard candies or honey to coat the throat
• Avoiding smoke, dust, and other cough triggers

Muscle Soothing Techniques

To relax strained abdominal muscles:

• Use a heating pad or warm compress on the abdomen
• Take a warm bath to relax muscles
• Massage the abdomen gently
• Try muscle rubs containing menthol or camphor
• Stretch the torso carefully to loosen tightened muscles

Protect and Support Core

Also aim to support and protect abdominal muscles from strain:

• Wrap the midsection with a compression band or postpartum binder
• Wear looser, more supportive clothing around the stomach
• Sleep propped up to take pressure off the abdomen
• Hold a pillow or rolled up towel over the stomach when coughing

Treat Related Symptoms

Alleviating connected symptoms can also minimize stomach troubles:

• Use analgesics for cough-related headaches
• Take ginger, mint, or anti-nausea medication for nausea
• Drink electrolyte beverages like Pedialyte if dehydrated
• Try honey in tea to ease sore throat irritation
• Use saline nasal sprays for congestion contributing to coughs

Relieving associated symptoms supports overall comfort when coughing.

OTC Medications to Aid Abdominal Pain

When home remedies aren't providing enough relief for stomach pain while coughing, these over-the-counter medications can help:

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Aspirin

These reduce inflammation causing abdominal muscle and tissue pain.

Acetaminophen

Tylenol and other acetaminophen brands ease general discomfort associated with cough-related stomach pain.

Antacids

Tums, Maalox, Mylanta and similar over-the-counter antacids help relieve accompanying heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.

Always follow dosage guidelines when using OTC remedies. See a doctor if pain remains severe or worsens despite treatment.

When to Use Cold vs. Heat

Cold and heat therapies can both be useful for cough-related stomach pain, depending on the circumstances:

Use Cold for:

• Acute pain within first 24-48 hours of strain
• Significant inflammation
• Swelling
• Hot, throbbing pain

Cold reduces sensitivity, constricts blood vessels, inhibits swelling.

Use Heat for:

• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Dull, aching, nagging pain
• Persistent cough with repeated strain
• Facilitating blood flow to aid healing

Heat loosens tissues, boosts circulation, and promotes muscle relaxation.

Alternating hot and cold therapy often provides optimal relief by combining benefits.

Gentle Stretches for Abdominal Discomfort from Coughing

Carefully stretching the core muscles can aid recovery when sore or strained from frequent coughing. Useful stretches include:

Knee to Chest

Lying on back, hug one knee at a time to chest for a gentle abdominal stretch.

Child's Pose

On hands and knees, sit hips back to heels while lowering chest to thighs to stretch abdomen and back.

Seated Twist

Sitting upright, turn your torso slowly side to side, keeping shoulders square.

Upward Hands

Raise arms upward overhead, interlace fingers, palms up, for a side stretch.

Hold stretches for 15-30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times on each side. Go slowly and avoid any sharp pain.

When to Rest Abdominal Muscles

Though gentle movement can help, be sure to give abdominal muscles adequate rest between coughing fits. Recommendations include:

• Avoid exercises that heavily engage the core like crunches or planks.
• Don't do heavy lifting until pain resolves.
• Take occasional breaks from seated positions.
• Sleep on back with a pillow under knees to decompress abdomen.
• Limit activities requiring forceful exertion.
• Give yourself recovery days between bouts of excessive coughing.

Letting sore, strained muscles fully rest aids the healing process.

Preventive Tips for Future Coughing Fits

Once your stomach pain from coughing improves, keep these tips in mind to help prevent recurrent issues in the future:

• Treat underlying cough causes like allergies, asthma, bronchitis
• Quit smoking to decrease chronic coughs
• Stay well hydrated to keep mucus thin
• Manage acid reflux to prevent irritation and coughs
• Use air filters and humidifiers at home
• Take anti-inflammatories early on with coughs
• Improve posture and core strength through exercise

Reducing frequency and intensity of coughing episodes protects your abdomen from repeated strain.

When to Seek Physiotherapy

Seeing a physiotherapist can help in certain situations involving abdominal discomfort from coughing:

• If pain persists for more than 1-2 weeks despite home treatment
• If cough-related abdominal pain becomes recurrent or chronic
• If you develop an abdominal hernia
• To strengthen core muscles as preventive measure
• To ensure proper technique when doing stretches or exercises for the area
• To receive manual therapy such as ultrasound or muscle release techniques

Physiotherapy provides added tools to address ongoing issues stemming from cough-related abdominal strain.

The Bottom Line

Coughing intensely can certainly leave your stomach feeling distressed. But understanding the reasons behind the pain along with remedies tailored to the causes can help minimize discomfort.

Using cough suppression tactics, stretching cautiously, resting when needed, and treating related symptoms can all support relief until the cough runs its course. Remaining vigilant afterwards helps safeguard against reinjury next time coughs flare up.

If stomach pain remains severe or worrisome despite home care, consult your doctor to address the cough and abdominal issues more comprehensively. With the right treatment plan, you can keep your stomach happier even during the most vigorous coughing fits.

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.