Chest pain when coughing is a common symptom that can range from mild discomfort to intense pain, often causing concern for those experiencing it. This type of pain can be triggered by various factors, from respiratory infections and muscle strain to more serious conditions such as heart disease or lung disorders. Understanding the potential causes of chest pain when coughing is essential for determining when medical attention is necessary. In this article, we will explore the various reasons behind chest pain during coughing, the associated symptoms, and when it’s important to seek professional help.
What Causes Chest Pain When Coughing?
A person’s chest may hurt when they cough as a result of muscle strain from coughing. However, it can also be a sign of pleurisy, pneumonia, and other serious conditions. In many cases, the pain goes away on its own as the infection clears. However, chest pain can sometimes signal a serious chest infection, such as pneumonia, so it is important to see a doctor for chest pain when coughing.
Symptoms
Chest pain with a cough comes in many forms. The pain may be stabbing or throbbing, and it can range from very mild to unbearable.
When there are other symptoms, especially fever or trouble breathing, this may indicate a serious underlying infection. Some other symptoms that a person might notice include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Low energy or fatigue
- Coughing up mucus
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
Causes of chest pain when coughing
The possible causes of chest pain when coughing include:
Muscle exhaustion
A person uses many muscles in the chest, back, and abdomen when they cough. An intense cough or many days of coughing can exhaust these muscles, making them feel sore or painful, especially when a person touches the affected area.
The pain usually peaks during a cough and then gets better between coughs.
It can be difficult to distinguish muscle pain from other types of pain, such as the pain of an inflamed lung. Therefore, if a person is uncertain about the origin of the pain, it is wise to see a doctor.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common but potentially dangerous lung infection. Viruses, bacteria, and even fungi or parasites can cause pneumonia. In some people, viral pneumonia develops after a cold or the flu.
Healthy people usually recover from pneumonia with routine treatment. They may be able to recover at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and managing symptoms with medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, this infection can potentially be fatal in older adults, infants, and people with a weakened immune system.
Some symptoms of pneumonia include:
- sharp, stabbing chest pain when coughing
- a high fever
- chills
- feeling very unwell
- nausea and vomiting in children
- confusion in elderly people
- shallow or rapid breathing
- shortness of breath
- a low oxygen level
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleural tissue, which covers the outside of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. People with pleurisy may also develop fluid in between layers of pleural tissue.
Pleurisy is a possible complication of pneumonia, although other infections and noninfectious conditions can cause this potentially life threatening disorder.
Symptoms include:
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling as though not enough air is entering the body
- Painful breathing
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that gets worse when coughing
Bronchitis
Bronchitis causes inflammation and swelling in the bronchial tubes, which connect the throat to the lungs. This inflammation makes it more difficult to breathe and can cause chest pain and pressure.
Although bronchitis can sometimes be a chronic disease, many people experience it as an acute, short-term infection, known as a chest cold. In many cases, bronchitis comes during or after a cold or the flu.
Some symptoms of bronchitis include:
- coughing up mucus
- soreness or pain in the chest
- a sore throat
- a headache
- body aches
- sometimes, a fever
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that cause inflamed, swollen, and obstructed airways. The disease is progressive, which means that it gets worse over time.
The main symptoms are chest pain and a cough. Some people also notice:
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Low energy
- Mucus buildup
Asthma
Asthma causes inflamed and narrowed airways. Certain triggers can suddenly increase the inflammation and swelling, making it difficult to breathe. People refer to this as an asthma attack.
During an asthma attack, a person may have trouble breathing or catching their breath. They may hear themselves wheezing or feel tightness in their chest. Some people also have chest pain during or following an asthma attack.
Cancer
Some people with chest pain and a cough may worry about lung cancer, especially if the symptoms are chronic and do not appear to be due to an infection, such as a cold or the flu.
Lung cancer can cause chest pain when coughing, but most people also experience other symptoms, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling weak
Complications
Mild chest pain from muscle fatigue usually goes away on its own.
However, a serious chest infection can be life threatening without treatment. Some potential complications include:
- Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory state that occurs as a result of significant infection and can cause organ failure
- Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart that sometimes occurs with the flu or other viral infections
- Respiratory failure, which happens when the lungs become so damaged that a person cannot breathe
- Kidney failure
If a person has a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions, or is an older adult or an infant, an untreated chest infection can potentially be lethal.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of chest pain, a doctor may:
- Take a comprehensive medical history, asking about recent symptoms and any chronic conditions, as well as family history
- Examine the person and listen to their lungs
- Do bloodwork to check for signs of inflammation, including that resulting from infection
- Order imaging tests of the lungs and chest, such as a chest x-ray
- Recommend a lung biopsy if a ct scan or x-ray shows a nodule or other growth in the lungs
Treatments
The right treatment for chest pain when coughing depends on the cause. When a person has a mild cold, a doctor may recommend rest and fluids. Some other home remedies can help with viral illnesses, such as the flu, bronchitis, and even mild pneumonia. A person can try:
- Using over-the-counter pain relieving medication to control pain and fever
- Taking steam baths to loosen mucus in the chest
- Avoiding going to work or school until symptoms have disappeared
- Drinking warm or hot drinks
- Avoiding smoke and pollution
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using a humidifier when sleeping
If the chest infection is bacterial, a doctor will generally prescribe antibiotic therapy.
Severe chest infections may require a person to stay in the hospital, where they can get intravenous fluid or medications, supplemental oxygen, and nebulized breathing treatments.
Some other treatments that a doctor might recommend include:
- A corticosteroid to decrease inflammation, speed healing, and help with coughing, especially if a person has pleurisy, a COPD flare, or severe bronchitis
- Various procedures to drain the pleural cavity of fluid
- Surgery to treat lung problems such as cancer or an abscess
COPD is incurable, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prolong life. A doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, bronchodilators (which help dilate the small airways), a type of training called pulmonary rehabilitation, or surgery.
People with lung cancer may need chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
When to contact a doctor
A person with mild chest pain can usually wait a few days to see a doctor. If the person has symptoms that do not improve within a few days, is an older adult or an infant, or has a respiratory condition, it is best to see a doctor immediately, even if the symptoms are not severe.
A person should also see a doctor if they have:
- Mild symptoms that become severe
- Symptoms that persist or worsen despite taking prescription treatment
- A high fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Feelings of nausea or extreme fatigue
- A high risk of pneumonia — for example, people with dementia, copd, lung cancer, or a weakened immune system — and develop a high fever, cough, chest pain, or other symptoms of pneumonia
- Sudden behavioral changes, including new confusion or loss of skills, such as using the toilet without help
Emergency treatment is necessary if:
- A newborn or older adult develops a high fever
- A person cannot breathe or catch their breath
- A person seems newly confused or has other acute behavioral changes
Acupuncture for Chest pain in Tokyo
While it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out serious conditions, many individuals turn to alternative therapies such as acupuncture for relief. Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), has been practiced for thousands of years and is known for its ability to treat a wide range of ailments, including chest pain.
How acupuncture works for chest pain
According to Traditional Oriental Medicine, chest pain is often a result of stagnation in the flow of vital energy and blood in the body. When this stagnation occurs, it can manifest as pain, discomfort, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Acupuncture aims to restore balance by unblocking these energy pathways, improving circulation, and relieving the tension that causes pain.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points correspond to various organs, tissues, and areas of pain. The process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, promoting the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. It also helps in calming the mind, reducing stress, and encouraging relaxation. Together, these effects can significantly reduce chest pain and enhance overall well-being.
Benefits of acupuncture for chest pain
Acupuncture offers a range of benefits when it comes to managing chest pain. Below are the key advantages of using acupuncture as a treatment option:
1. Pain Relief
One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to alleviate pain. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters. This results in a reduction in pain perception and an overall sense of well-being.
For musculoskeletal chest pain, such as muscle strain or rib injuries, acupuncture can help by reducing muscle tension, relieving spasms, and promoting relaxation. In cases of stress-induced chest tightness, acupuncture helps by calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety levels, which in turn can relieve the discomfort.
2. Reduction of Inflammation
Chest pain caused by inflammation, whether due to musculoskeletal injuries, gastrointestinal issues, or even cardiovascular problems, can benefit from acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture helps to improve circulation, which facilitates the removal of toxins and supports the delivery of nutrients to the affected area, thereby promoting healing and reducing swelling or inflammation.
3. Improved Circulation
Poor circulation can lead to chest pain, particularly in conditions like angina, where the heart’s blood supply is reduced. Acupuncture helps to improve the flow of blood and Qi to affected areas, ensuring that vital nutrients and oxygen are delivered to tissues and organs. By restoring circulation, acupuncture can alleviate pain and encourage healing.
4. Stress Reduction
Stress and anxiety are common triggers of chest pain. Whether it manifests as tightness in the chest, palpitations, or shortness of breath, emotional and mental stress can contribute to physical discomfort. Acupuncture is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps balance the body’s stress response by regulating the autonomic nervous system, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote relaxation. By addressing the root cause of the tension, acupuncture can provide both mental and physical relief.
5. Balancing Energy
Traditional Oriental Medicine views chest pain as a manifestation of imbalances in the body’s energy system. Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of energy to the affected areas, restoring harmony in the body. This can address both the physical and emotional aspects of chest pain. When vital energy flows freely, the body’s natural healing mechanisms are enhanced, allowing the body to recover from injury, stress, or inflammation more effectively.
Acupuncture points for chest pain
To treat chest pain, acupuncture practitioners will target specific points along the body’s meridians. The following are some commonly used acupuncture points for chest pain:
- Shanzhong (Ren 17): Located at the center of the chest, this point is often used to alleviate chest tightness, palpitations, and other cardiovascular-related symptoms. It helps regulate the flow of Qi and is particularly useful for treating emotional or stress-induced chest pain.
- Neiguan (PC6): Situated on the inner forearm, about two inches above the wrist, this point is known for its ability to relieve chest discomfort, palpitations, and anxiety. It’s often used to treat chest pain associated with stress and emotional tension.
- Tiantu (Ren 22): Found just above the sternum, this point can help with chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and emotional tension. It’s especially helpful when chest pain is related to anxiety or lung conditions.
- Ximen (PC4): Located on the inner forearm, this point is effective for relieving chest pain caused by heart-related issues, such as angina. It helps promote circulation and relieve tension in the chest area.
- Zhongfu (LU1): This point is located on the chest, near the first rib. It is particularly effective for treating chest pain related to lung conditions, such as coughing, asthma, or shortness of breath.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed?
The number of acupuncture sessions required will vary depending on the severity and duration of your chest pain. For acute pain, such as that caused by a muscle strain or emotional stress, relief may be felt after just one or two sessions. Chronic chest pain, particularly when associated with underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease or anxiety, may require more frequent sessions, typically ranging from 6 to 12 treatments.
It’s important to note that acupuncture is often most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. A licensed acupuncturist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and condition.
Safety considerations
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained, licensed practitioner. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning acupuncture treatment, especially if you have a serious medical condition, such as heart disease. Acupuncture should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment for life-threatening conditions, but rather as a complementary therapy for managing symptoms.
Conclusion
Chest pain can be a debilitating and frightening symptom, but acupuncture offers a natural and effective way to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Whether your chest pain is caused by stress, musculoskeletal issues, or other factors, acupuncture can help restore balance and bring relief. By targeting specific acupuncture points, practitioners can help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and address the root causes of discomfort. If you’re seeking a holistic approach to chest pain management, acupuncture may be an ideal solution. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that acupuncture is appropriate for your specific condition, and consider integrating it into your treatment plan for optimal results.
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