It hurts when coughing because coughing uses many muscles in your chest, back, and abdomen which can become fatigued and sore, especially if coughing is intense or prolonged. Additionally, pain when coughing can be caused by inflammation or infections in the airways or lungs, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or pleurisy (inflammation of the tissue around the lungs). These conditions can cause chest or back pain that worsens when coughing. Other serious causes can include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The pain may feel sharp, stabbing, or throbbing and can come with other symptoms like shortness of breath, mucus production, or fever, depending on the underlying cause. It is important to see a doctor for persistent or severe pain when coughing to diagnose and treat any underlying illness.
Common Reasons for Pain When Coughing:
- Muscle fatigue from the physical effort of coughing.
- Respiratory infections causing inflammation (bronchitis, pneumonia).
- Chronic lung conditions such as COPD or asthma.
- Inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy).
- Acid reflux irritation.
- Lung cancer in some cases.
Muscle soreness from coughing usually peaks during coughing and lessens between coughs, while pain due to infections or inflammation tends to be more persistent and may worsen with breathing or movement.