Coughing is a body’s natural reflex when your airways are irritated, or there is mucus. However, in some people, it can cause discomfort. Individuals report experiencing abdominal pain when coughing. There are several reasons and underlying health conditions that can cause it. Let’s find out what are these and how to treat them.
What is Abdominal Pain?
Any type of discomfort in the areas from the chest to the pelvis is considered abdominal pain. Pain can be of different intensity, location, and duration. It can also arise due to several body issues. There are organs, muscles, and nerves that can cause abdominal pain. Coughing is just one of the symptoms that can aggravate the pain.
Why Coughing Can Cause Abdominal Pain?
During coughing, there is a rapid contraction of muscles of the pelvis and chest. These muscles work hard to pull the air out of the lungs. This activity increases the pressure in the abdomen area. The high pressure can cause soreness or discomfort. The muscles also become strained because of frequent coughing, and they can get cramps when there is pressure on them.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain From Coughing
Some diseases can induce coughing, which can cause abdominal pain in some people. Many reasons can cause the pain in abdomen.
Strain on Muscles
Muscle strain is normal when coughing occurs for a long time. This strain puts pressure on the abdomen. However, this is very normal, and it usually resolves in a few days when coughing is cured. This is similar to the pain which happens after a workout and needs no medication.
Respiratory Infections
Coughing is the main sign of respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, cold, etc. These infections cause inflammation in the respiratory tract that can put a strain on the abdomen. The patient will feel discomfort in the abdomen due to these infections.
Hernia
It occurs when an organ protrudes through the abdomen wall or surrounding tissues. Frequent coughing increases the pressure on the abdominal wall, which intensifies the hernia and leads to significant pain. This could be the reason for pain when you cough, and it needs immediate attention. Bending and heavy lifting can worsen this situation.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a digestive issue that occurs when stomach acid flows back toward the oesophagus. This usually occurs after meals and at night, and coughing can occur in this situation. GERD causes a burning feeling in the whole digestive tract. This causes abdominal pain with additional symptoms that may include heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
Appendicitis
It is the inflammation of the appendix, and one of its major symptoms is abdominal pain. This pain occurs in the areas between the naval and the end of the lower abdomen. The pain due to appendicitis can intensify when we cough because of the increased pressure and strain on the abdomen muscles. This infection is severe and immediate surgery is required.
Cystitis
It is an infection of the bladder and has symptoms like frequent urination, a burning feeling during urination, and lower abdominal pain. Coughing is not relevant to this infection, but if a person is already having frequent coughs, the pain can intensify. It is important to treat cystitis as soon as possible, especially if there is blood in urine or fever.
Weak Pelvic Muscles
Week pelvic floor muscles can cause pain during coughing. There are several reasons that can cause weak pelvic muscles. It can occur after childbirth, menopause, or due to aging. When the pelvic floor is weak, it may not support abdominal organs effectively. This causes discomfort during activities like coughing.
How to Relieve Abdominal Pain When Coughing
Follow these tips to get rid of coughing to resolve abdominal pain:
- Staying hydrated is essential — even mild dehydration can trigger pain, and many people ask can dehydration cause abdominal pain during recovery.
- Use a humidifier if your airways are irritated. This soothes them and reduces coughing.
- Try to cough gently. This will put less strain on the muscles and relieve abdominal pain.
- Keep a heating pad on your abdomen to relax strained muscles.
- For structured guidance, a nursing care plan for abdominal pain often includes safe use of medications like ibuprofen.
- If you have GERD, avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic items.
- Elevating your head when sleeping can reduce coughing and acid reflux.
- Gentle stretches to relieve abdominal pain can help relax muscles and ease discomfort.
When to See a Doctor
If the abdominal pain is because of muscle strain, it can be managed at home. However, it can be due to severe causes like appendicitis, cystitis, and hernia. These disorders need to be treated immediately. The pain caused by these diseases can be differentiated from a muscle strain in which only the muscles of the abdomen hurt. If you experience a stabbing pain or the pain is not resolving on its own, it’s recommended to visit a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Pain in the abdomen due to coughing can be due to normal reasons, but there is also a chance it occurs due to an underlying health condition. Early treatments can be effective, so see the doctor and resolve it on time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominal Pain When Coughing
Q1. Why does my stomach hurt when I cough?
Coughing puts pressure on the abdominal muscles. If those muscles are strained or weakened, you may feel soreness or pain. In some cases, underlying issues like hernia, infections, or appendicitis may also cause it.
Q2. When should I worry about abdominal pain while coughing?
If the pain is sharp, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, swelling, or difficulty urinating, seek medical help immediately. These could be signs of a serious condition such as appendicitis or hernia.
Q3. Can dehydration make abdominal pain worse when I cough?
Yes. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and tension, which may intensify abdominal pain during coughing. Staying hydrated can help reduce discomfort.
Q4. What are some home remedies for abdominal pain caused by coughing?
Gentle stretching, using a heating pad, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) may help. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
Q5. Is abdominal pain when coughing related to GERD?
It can be. GERD (acid reflux) sometimes triggers coughing, which in turn strains abdominal muscles and causes pain. If you also experience heartburn or acid reflux, GERD could be contributing.
