Has anyone experienced that particular and quite painful stitch in the stomach that always comes after a hearty cough? Hopefully, you like living on the edge… because it’s uncomfortable… and, let’s be honest, a little scary. You merely want to clear your throat from a tickle that just wouldn’t go away, and then out of nowhere, you’re struck with this horrible stomach ache that feels like someone punched you right there. So, why does my stomach hurt when I cough?

You’re not alone. So many people have this, and it is as a result of certain conditions that may be physical or otherwise. In this article, I will do a run-through, describe my experience, and explain what could be happening with your body. Let’s dive in and figure out why your stomach hurts when you cough and how to deal with it.

Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Cough?

At least most of the time, we observe some level of irritation in our stomach after coughing. But why does this happen? Yes, it is possible to get stomach or abdominal pain during coughing for the following reasons: Some of these causes are quite evident, but others are a little less clear.

1. Abdominal Muscle Strain

Here’s a simple explanation. When you cough, you involve muscles in the chest as well as the abdomen muscles. So, should you have been coughing a lot or coughing intensively, you’re likely to place these muscles under strain. Think of it like this: Think of how it will be to do a set of crunches. You’ll feel your stomach muscles sore after this. In the same way, anytime you are forced to cough continuously or with so much force, the muscles in your abdominal region will feel stretched and painful. It is somewhat like getting a little calorie burn for your abs without having to do it intentionally!

I’ve been there myself. Separated, once I had a terrible cold a while back and I could not stop coughing. Then, after a few days, I found that each time I coughed, my stomach would start to ache. I did not pay a whole lot of attention to it at first; the second or third time I coughed rather strongly, and I felt a pain in my stomach muscles.

2. Stomach and Diaphragm Pain

It’s your diaphragm that facilitates the breathing process. It is found right beneath your lungs, and when you cough, it quickly and powerfully squeezes. This can sometimes exert pressure on your stomach, and this leads to pain. That may be the reason why you experience discomfort or pain whenever you have a strong cough, especially on your abdomen.

I know a couple of patients who have fallen when they were in their wheelchairs. They explain it as a sort of discomfort in the stomach like coughing; yes, it reminds them of something that wants to be born—a sharp pain, a kind of internal pressure.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Acid Reflux or GERD)

If you’ve ever felt a burning sensation in your chest after coughing, it might be related to acid reflux. If you have cardiac reflux, when you cough, you may find that it partly regurgitates the content of your stomach. This happens more often if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD. The acid might cause inflammation of the stomach and esophagus with some level of pain, most especially after hysterical coughing.

I had a patient once who thought the pain in her stomach after coughing was from something more serious, but it turned out to be acid reflux. As far as medication was concerned, she discovered that if she swallowed an antacid, the pain was virtually eliminated on the spot.

4. Gastritis or Stomach Ulcers

Sometimes, the stomach pain after coughing might be due to a more serious condition like gastritis or a stomach ulcer. These are both diseases that affect the lining of the stomach and involve inflammation or the presence of sores. These conditions are worse if you cough frequently or your coughing is very bad, rendering the patient to be extremely uncomfortable.

I’ve worked with patients who had ulcers, and coughing made their stomach pain worse. But it was not just any pain; it was a sting that did not subside for very long but persisted stubbornly. If your stomach pain feels like it’s lasting for a while or if it’s very intense, it might be a good idea to check in with a doctor.

5. Hiatal Hernia

A small part of your stomach protruding into your chest, through a natural formation in the diaphragm, is referred to as hiatal hernia. If you have a hiatal hernia, you may find that coughing, sneezing, or even bending over produces a stabbing or aching pain in the stomach. This is because, when you cough, you exert pressure on the stomach and the hernia that might cause severities. After coughing, you feel as if your stomach is tied in a knot.

I know one person who discovered they had a hernia after experiencing stomach pain whenever they coughed or sneezed. Sometimes people are unaware of the relationship between a hernia and their stomach, but when they see a doctor, they understand how the hernia is influencing it.

Other Possible Causes

Though the above reasons are some of the more common causes of stomach pain when coughing, there are a few other possibilities to consider:

• Gas or bloating: For those with intestinal gas or bloated stomach cases, coughing may make this uncomfortable feeling even worse or worsen a bloated stomach. Coughing leads to pressure on the abdomen, and if there is inflammation of the stomach or intestines, then you feel a pain.
• Infection: Flu is a typical case due to its symptoms of a cough, abdominal pain, and sniffling or sneezing, among others. If the cough is as a result of infection, the abdominal pain is likely to be an accompanying symptom.
• Lung conditions: Occasionally, other lung abnormalities, which include pneumonia or pleurisy—inflammation of the membrane lining the lungs and chest wall—may result in pain in the chest and abdomen during coughing. This type of pain oftentimes is more intense and may be accompanied by other features such as fever, shortness of breath, and a productive cough.

When Should You See a Doctor?

In most cases, stomach pain from coughing isn’t something to be overly worried about. However, you should see a doctor if the pain is very intense or the pain lasts for several days. It’s especially important to see a doctor if your pain is accompanied by any of the following:

• Breathlessness or shortness of breath
• Blood in your cough or stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever or chills
• Severe or persistent stomach pain

One should consult with the doctor to exclude other severe pathologies and to determine further actions to minimize the suffering.

How to Relieve Stomach Pain When You Cough

I’m sharing with you a couple of things that will help you to relive discomfort.

• Rest your muscles: If you are coughing frequently, you should try to stay still and possibly, but not necessarily, go to bed. When the muscles of your abdomen are overused, the pain is likely to intensify.
• Stay hydrated: Always take a lot of water to drink; this will help a lot if a person has a sore throat or coughing issue.
• Antacids: If acid reflux is to blame, taking an over-the-counter antacid can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain.
• Pain relievers: For muscle strain or inflammation, you can use some over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to minimize the pain.

3 FAQs About Stomach Pain When Coughing

Q1: Is it possible to feel stomach pain when coughing?
Yes, your stomach can hurt after coughing or when you cough frequently or cough heavily. Yes, it can be painful depending on the intensity of the cough and how often it is. In most cases, such pain is caused by the tight muscles or a pressure caused by coughing. If the pain is described as mild and was only there momentarily, then there should be no cause for alarm.

Q2: Does it hurt my stomach when I start coughing?
Coughing is not likely to harm your stomach in most circumstances. However, if you have an underlying condition like gastritis, an ulcer, or acid reflux, coughing can make those conditions worse and cause more pain.

Q3: When should I see a doctor for stomach pain after coughing?
If it is sharp, or if you have various other signs such as breathing issues, fever, or blood, you should consult your doctor. Of course, it is always advisable to contact the healthcare provider if you have any worries regarding your symptoms.

Conclusion

In my practice, I have noted that stomachaches can occur alongside coughing most of the time; it is only a minor issue. It’s often caused by muscle strain, acid reflux, or pressure from coughing. But in case you tend to get worried or if the pain persists, it is always wise to seek the services of a doctor. They can also be used to identify what is happening and suggest the appropriate management.

So, next time your stomach hurts after coughing, you can rest easy knowing there are a number of reasons why this happens. Stay healthy, attend to the signs your body is giving you, and do not hesitate to seek help from others when you are overwhelmed.