Stomach Hurt When You Cough? Causes & Relief

What's Behind Abdominal Pain When Coughing

It can be alarming when your abdomen hurts every time you cough. But what causes this symptom? And is it something to worry about or can you manage it at home?

There are a few possible explanations for abdominal discomfort that occurs or worsens when coughing. While painful, some of these causes are benign. However others may indicate an underlying condition needing medical treatment.

What Your Symptoms Mean

Abdominal pain triggered by coughing likely stems from one of these issues:

1. Muscle strain

Coughing engages the abdominal muscles to forcefully expel air from the lungs. Especially during an intense coughing bout from a bad cold or chest infection, this can overwork the abdominal muscles.

If the abdominal muscles are already tender from strain or injury, forceful contractions during coughs can worsen the pain.

2. Hernia

A hernia develops when an organ pushes through a tear or weak spot in the muscle or tissue holding it in place. One common type is an abdominal or groin hernia.

When you cough with a hernia, it can cause severe pain. The intense abdominal pressure forces the herniated organ or tissue through the abdominal wall further.

3. Urinary tract infection

A UTI develops when bacteria infiltrate the urinary tract, usually starting in the bladder. Pelvic and abdominal pain are common UTI symptoms.

When the inflamed bladder is jostled by forceful contractions during coughing, the already present UTI pain can flare up further.

When to Seek Medical Care

Mild or moderate abdominal discomfort when coughing usually isn’t cause for concern on its own. Try relaxing cough suppressants or pain medication to see if it improves.

However, seek medical attention if you have severe, persistent or worsening pain when coughing along with:

• Blood in phlegm or urine
• Constipation, diarrhea or vomiting
• Fever over 101° F (38° C)
• Dizziness, weakness or fainting
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Rash or swelling

These associated symptoms suggest a potentially serious underlying problem needing prompt evaluation.

What Causes Abdominal Discomfort When Coughing

From minor muscle strain to serious infections, various issues can make your abdomen hurt when you cough. Understanding the source of your discomfort guides appropriate treatment.

Musculoskeletal Causes

In many cases, coughing discomfort stems from the abdominal muscles and supporting structures:

Abdominal muscle strain

The rectus abdominis muscles running down the front of the abdomen control coughing. If already injured, they spasm painfully when activated by coughs.

Diastasis recti

Diastasis recti occurs when the vertical abdominal muscles separate. The gap left between them can bulge out painfully when coughing.

Poor posture

Slouching or slumped sitting leads to overstretched abdominal muscles. Coughing requires engaging these muscles forcefully from an already disadvantaged position.

Hernias

A hernia allowing abdominal contents to push through weakened tissue or muscle is also irritated by coughing. Types causing pain include:

Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias in the groin are most common. When coughing, tissue protrudes more through the abdominal wall hole causing pain.

Incisional hernia

Incisional hernias can develop after abdominal surgery. The intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through surgical scar tissue when coughing.

Hiatal hernia

Part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm muscle with a hiatal hernia. Forceful coughs push it through the opening further.

Infections

Certain infections also inflame nerves causing abdominal discomfort when coughing.

Urinary tract infections

Bladder and urethra infections already cause pelvic pain. This worsens when irritated by pressure from coughing.

Pneumonia

The lung infection pneumonia can refer pain to the abdomen. This somatic referral is aggravated by coughing.

How to Manage Abdominal Pain When Coughing

To soothe abdominal discomfort flaring up with coughs:

Use Good Body Mechanics

Reduce strain on abdominal muscles and hernias when coughing by:

• Keeping back straight by sitting up or standing
• Bending knees slightly
• Supporting abdomen with hand/pillow when coughing
• Avoiding holding breath while bearing down

Apply Heat

A warm compress can relieve muscular abdominal pain by:

• Boosting blood flow to relax tight muscles
• Disrupting pain signals
• Easing inflammation

Use a heating pad, warm damp towel or hot water bottle for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Try Over-the-Counter Medications

For mild to moderate discomfort, OTC meds can help by:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Reduces pain signals
• NSAIDs - Relieve inflammation easing muscle, nerve and tissue irritation
• Cough suppressants - Reduce frequency of coughs
• Topicals - Creams with menthol, capsaicin or NSAIDs dull nerve pain

See Your Doctor

With severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain when coughing, see your doctor. They can:

• Diagnose the underlying cause
• Prescribe stronger medications if needed
• Refer you to specialists for further treatment

Getting appropriate care resolves the coughing-related discomfort and treats any underlying condition.

When to Take Abdominal Pain Seriously

Mild muscle soreness or strain when coughing usually improves quickly with self care. But more alarming signs demand medical assessment. Seek emergency care for:

Severe, Worsening Pain

Especially if concentrated in one area, uncontrolled abdominal pain suggests a possible medical emergency like:

• Appendicitis - Inflamed appendix may rupture
• Bowel obstruction - Twisting bowels cut off blood flow
• Ectopic pregnancy - Fallopian tube rupturing causes internal bleeding

Vomiting Up Blood

Coughing up blood-tinged sputum or vomit may signal:

• Peptic ulcer - Bleeding stomach sore
• Tear - In esophagus, throat or lung tissue

Ruptured organs or internal bleeding require emergency surgery to prevent dangerous complications.

Fevers Over 101°F (38°C)

High fever with abdominal pain indicates an infection like:

• Appendicitis - Inflamed appendix at risk of bursting
• Diverticulitis - Infected pouches in colon may abscess or rupture

Sepsis is possible if bacteria spill into the abdominal cavity from ruptured infected tissue.

In conclusion, contact your doctor or call 911 with any alarming symptoms along with abdominal discomfort when coughing. Though often benign, more serious causes need urgent assessment and care.

The article covers: What different issues can cause abdomen to hurt when coughing Guidance on when medical care is needed Details on specific musculoskeletal problems, hernias and infections explaining the pain Tips to manage discomfort using positioning, heat, OTC meds Reasons to seek emergency care like uncontrolled pain or fever Let me know if you need any adjustments or have additional requirements!

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.