Why Your Stomach May Hurt When Coughing With a Cold

Introduction

It's common when you have a cold or flu for your stomach to hurt when you cough. This can seem strange since your respiratory system and digestive system aren't directly connected. But there are actually several reasons why your stomach may hurt when you cough if you're sick.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the potential causes of stomach pain when coughing and how to get relief. We'll also provide tips for recovering faster from a cold or flu.

Why Your Stomach May Hurt When You Cough

There are a few possible explanations for why your stomach ends up hurting when you have a respiratory illness like a cold or flu and start coughing.

Irritated Diaphragm

One of the most common reasons your stomach hurts when coughing is that the diaphragm becomes irritated. The diaphragm is the muscle located below your lungs that contracts and relaxes to facilitate breathing.

When you cough forcefully, the diaphragm rubs against the organs below it, including your liver, stomach, and intestines. This can provoke pain and cramping sensations throughout the abdomen.

Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure

Coughing intensely also increases the intra-abdominal pressure as your diaphragm and abdominal muscles spasm. This added pressure can squeeze the organs and provoke aches.

Strain of Abdominal Muscles

The abdominal muscles go through a lot of work during heavy coughing fits. This can lead to muscular strain that makes your stomach tender.

Irritation of the Pleura

The pleura is a membrane that lines the inside of the chest cavity and covers the lungs. In some cases of respiratory infection, the pleura becomes inflamed, known as pleurisy.

This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain when breathing and coughing. The pain may even extend to the upper abdomen.

Nausea and Vomiting

It's also common to experience nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach along with a cough when you have a cold or flu. This gastrointestinal disturbance can make your stomach hurt all over.

Other Causes of Stomach Pain When Coughing

While colds and flus are the most common causes of stomach pain when coughing, here are some other possible explanations to be aware of:

Pneumonia

Pneumonia often produces chest and stomach pain that gets worse with coughing. The infection causes inflammation in the lungs that can irritate the diaphragm.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it difficult to fully exhale air. The trapped air causes chest tightness and stomach pain.

Asthma

During an asthma flare-up, you may experience wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and abdominal pain.

Heartburn

Acid reflux can cause a burning chest and abdominal pain that worsens with coughing. The increase in abdominal pressure forces stomach acid upward.

Hiatal Hernia

This condition occurs when part of the stomach pushes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. The protruding stomach can become painful when coughing.

How to Relieve Stomach Pain When Coughing

If your stomach hurts when coughing due to a cold, flu, or chest congestion, try these remedies to get relief:

Use Cold/Heat Therapy

Applying something cold like an ice pack or something warm like a heating pad to your upper abdomen can help soothe muscle strain and irritation.

Massage the Area

Gently massaging your upper abdomen can help relieve tension in the stomach muscles that occurs from coughing.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water, ginger tea, or other fluids can keep your mucus thin and ease your coughing, along with any stomach discomfort.

Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium can reduce both cough and stomach pain.

Use a Cough Suppressant

Cough syrup containing dextromethorphan can minimize coughing that strains the abs. But avoid suppressing your cough too much, as you need to clear mucus.

Try Honey

Honey coats and soothes an irritated throat, reducing coughing that can upset your stomach. Adults can take 1-2 tsp every few hours.

Rinse With Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water can help loosen mucus and ease coughing and stomach discomfort.

Use a Humidifier

Breathing in moist air keeps your airway hydrated, reducing coughing fits that can cause abdominal cramps.

Avoid Triggers

Steer clear of irritants like cigarette smoke that can provoke coughing and subsequent stomach pain.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, minor stomach pain from coughing will resolve on its own within a week or two. But contact your doctor if:

The Pain is Severe

You experience intense or stabbing stomach pain when coughing that doesn't improve with self-care remedies. This could signal a complication that requires medical treatment.

You Have Other Concerning Symptoms

Stomach pain along with symptoms like high fever, shortness of breath, bloody mucus, or unexplained weight loss warrants prompt medical care.

The Pain Persists

If stomach pain when coughing lingers for more than two weeks, see your doctor to rule out underlying conditions like acid reflux, hernia, or lung disease.

How to Recover Faster from a Cold or Flu

Here are some additional tips to help you kick a cold or flu - along with that annoying cough and stomach pain - more quickly:

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleeping allows your body to direct its energy towards fighting off the virus rather than other tasks.Aim for at least 8 hours per night.

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to thin out mucus and prevent dehydration. Warm liquids like broth and tea can be particularly soothing.

Consider Zinc and Vitamin C Supplements

Zinc lozenges and vitamin C supplements may help shorten the lifespan of colds when taken at high doses at the first signs of illness.

Chicken Soup

Warm chicken soup helps break down congestion, provides hydration, and gives your body the nutrients it needs to heal.

Control Fever with Medication

Taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other NSAIDs can lower fever and relieve aches and pains that interfere with rest.

Use Saline Nasal Spray and Rinses

Clearing excess mucus from your nasal passages can minimize coughing and related stomach discomfort.

Avoid Milk Dairy Products

Dairy tends to thicken mucus, which can worsen cough and postnasal drip, leading to more abdominal pain.

When to See Your Doctor

You should make an appointment with your primary care physician if:

• Stomach pain when coughing lasts more than a few weeks
• The pain is severe or persists despite self-care
• You have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• You cough up blood-tinged mucus
• You have additional symptoms like fever over 102°F, headache, or joint pain
• Your cough lingers more than 10 days

At that point, your doctor can examine you, determine if you have a secondary infection, and get you feeling better faster.

The Bottom Line

It's very common for your stomach to hurt when you cough if you have a respiratory illness like a cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, or the flu. All that powerful hacking can strain muscles, irritate organs, and increase intra-abdominal pressure.

Using over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and lots of fluids and rest can help you get relief. Try to suppress your cough as needed to give your stomach a break. But definitely see a doctor if intense pain persists.

Pay attention to other accompanying symptoms and call your doctor if anything seems off. With the right treatment, you’ll be breathing - and coughing - normally again within a few weeks.

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.