Can Coughing Cause Chest Pain?
July 29, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, coughing can cause chest pain. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants or mucus from the respiratory tract. However, forceful or persistent coughing can put strain on the chest muscles and the structures within the chest, leading to discomfort or pain. The chest pain caused by coughing can vary in intensity and may feel sharp, stabbing, or aching.
Here are some common reasons why coughing can cause chest pain:
- Muscle Strain: Forceful coughing can strain the muscles in the chest wall, leading to muscle soreness and pain.
- Irritation of the Respiratory Tract: Frequent or prolonged coughing can irritate the lining of the respiratory tract, including the throat, bronchi, and lungs, causing discomfort or a burning sensation in the chest.
- Infections: Coughing is often a symptom of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, flu, or bronchitis. These infections can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and lead to chest pain during coughing.
- Asthma: People with asthma may experience chest pain or tightness when they have a coughing episode, especially during asthma exacerbations or when the airways are inflamed and constricted.
- Pleurisy: Pleurisy is a condition where the lining around the lungs (pleura) becomes inflamed. Coughing can exacerbate the pain associated with pleurisy.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): In some cases, coughing can be related to GERD, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can cause irritation and a burning sensation in the chest, which may worsen with coughing.
- Pneumonia: In cases of severe pneumonia, coughing can be painful due to inflammation and infection in the lungs.
It’s important to pay attention to the nature of the chest pain associated with coughing. If the chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or coughing up blood, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention, as these may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
In most cases, chest pain due to coughing is temporary and resolves once the underlying cause, such as a respiratory infection, improves. However, if you are experiencing persistent or recurrent chest pain with coughing, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and appropriate management.