Why Does Stomach Hurts When Coughing: The Main Causes

The Relationship Between Coughing and Stomach Pain

Coughing involves a sudden, forceful exhalation, which engages not only the muscles of the chest and diaphragm but also those in the abdominal region. When you cough, your abdominal muscles contract to help expel air from the lungs.

Repeated or severe coughing can strain these muscles, leading to soreness and pain. This is particularly noticeable after long bouts of coughing, such as those caused by respiratory infections or chronic respiratory conditions.

What Causes Stomach Pain When You Cough?

This discomfort may alarm you, but understanding why it happens is the first step toward managing or preventing it. To properly manage pain when coughing, it's crucial to understand the underlying cause of the discomfort. 

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, often causing acute pain that needs immediate medical attention.

• Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

• The pain typically starts near the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen.

• Appendicitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, blood tests to check for infection, and imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm inflammation of the appendix.

According to NCBI publication:

• Age range most affected: 5 to 45 years, with a mean age of 28.
• Incidence rate: Approximately 233 cases per 100,000 people annually.
• Gender predisposition: Lifetime incidence of 8.6% for males and 6.7% for females.
• Annual hospital visits in the U.S.: Around 300,000 for appendicitis-related issues.

Gallstones

Gallstones form in the gallbladder and can block bile ducts, causing intense pain.

• Severe pain in the upper right abdomen or center, just under the rib cage
• Back pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain in the right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills

• Upper right part of the abdomen.

• Gallstones are diagnosed using ultrasound or other imaging techniques such as a CT scan, which can visualize the stones within the gallbladder.

According to Medscape:

• Prevalence in the U.S.: Affects 10%-20% of adults, totaling about 20 million people.
• Annual new cases: 1%-3% develop gallstones; similarly, 1%-3% become symptomatic.
• Annual cholecystectomies in the U.S.: Approximately 500,000 due to symptomatic gallstones.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, often resulting from a urinary tract infection

• Pelvic discomfort
• Frequent, painful urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Blood in urine
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

• Lower abdomen, often feeling pressure or discomfort.

• Cystitis is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and confirmed with a urinalysis to check for signs of infection and possibly a urine culture.

As per NCBI publication:

• Recurrence rate: 25% of women experience recurrent cystitis within six months after their first UTI, with higher rates in those with multiple UTIs.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Painful urination
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain can start in the back,  lower back, or side below the ribs and move to the lower abdomen.

Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan, which can show the presence of stones in the urinary tract.

According to National Kidney Foundation data:

• Risk by gender: 11% in men and 9% in women over their lifetime.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.

• Visible bulge in the abdomen or groin
• Pain at the site of the bulge, especially when lifting or coughing
• A heavy or dragging sensation in the abdomen
• Weakness or pressure in your abdomen

• Location of the hernia, often the abdominal wall or groin.

Hernias are generally diagnosed through physical examination and may require an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, to assess the affected area.

According to the Medscape:

• Prevalence: Inguinal hernias occur in about 25% of males and 2% of females over their lifetime.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease involves the formation of small bulges or pockets (diverticula) in the lining of the digestive system.

• Persistent pain in the lower left side of the abdomen
• Fever
• Nausea
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• Bloating

Lower left side of the abdomen, although it can occur on the right side as well.

Diverticular disease is diagnosed using CT scans, which can show the inflamed diverticula and other signs of infection or complications.

Article published by NIDDK:

• Age-related prevalence in the U.S.: Over 30% of adults aged 50-59 and more than 70% over age 80 have diverticulosis.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can occur as acute or chronic episodes.

• Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tenderness when touching the abdomen

• Upper abdomen, spreading towards the back.

• Pancreatitis is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, which can detect elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs.

NIDDK publication:

• Annual hospital stays in the U.S.: Approximately 275,000 related to acute pancreatitis.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. They are common and usually harmless but can sometimes cause symptoms if they rupture or become large.

• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
• Pelvic pain before or during the menstrual cycle
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful bowel movements
• Frequent need to urinate

• Lower abdomen on the side of the cyst.

• Ovarian cysts are typically diagnosed through pelvic examinations and confirmed with ultrasound, which can visualize the cysts on the ovaries.

By PubMed publication: 

• Global prevalence: About 7% of women will develop an ovarian cyst during their lifetime.

Each of these conditions can cause significant discomfort, especially when combined with the physical act of coughing, which increases abdominal pressure and intensifies pain. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, using Symptom Checker can help you better understand your symptoms before consulting a healthcare professional. Remember, this tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms accompanying stomach pain when coughing are red flags that require immediate medical intervention. Recognizing these signs can be crucial in preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment:

• Intense, Sudden Pain: Severe abdominal pain that comes on suddenly and is intolerable could indicate conditions like appendicitis or gallstone complications.
• Persistent Vomiting: If stomach pain is accompanied by persistent or severe vomiting, it could signify a serious underlying condition such as pancreatitis.
• Fever and Chills: A high fever with chills, especially when combined with abdominal pain, often indicates an infection that needs urgent medical care.
• Changes in Bowel Movements: Symptoms like blood in the stool or a sudden change in bowel habits can be a sign of diverticular disease or other serious gastrointestinal conditions.
• Signs of Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, combined with abdominal pain, can indicate liver or gallbladder issues that need immediate attention.
• Inability to Pass Gas or Bowel Movements: This could be a sign of a bowel obstruction, which is a potential emergency requiring prompt medical intervention.