You feel that tickle in your throat, and the urge to cough arises—but ouch! Every time you cough, that pain in your side flares up. It’s frustrating to deal with a cough and side pain simultaneously. This discomfort can range from mildly annoying to downright concerning, leaving many wondering, “Why does my side hurt when I cough?”

In this edition of the WOW Healing Care blog, we’ll explain several reasons why this might happen.

4 Causes of Side Pain When Coughing

1. Muscle Strain: The Most Common Cause

When you cough, several muscles engage, including those in your chest, abdomen, and sides. Repeated or forceful coughing can strain these muscles, leading to pain that is often felt on one side of the body.

If you have muscle strain, your symptoms may look like this:

• Localized pain: The pain is usually concentrated in one area, often near the ribs.
• Worsens with movement: Pain increases with coughing, laughing, or deep breathing.
• Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch.

If you think you may have strained your muscles, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to take care of it at home.

• Rest: Give your muscles time to recover by minimizing activities that trigger pain.
• Heat therapy: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help relax the muscles.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation.

Muscle strain pain should gradually improve with rest and care. However, if the pain persists, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

2. Rib Injury: More Than Just a Bruise

Our ribs are designed to protect vital organs, but they’re still vulnerable to injury. Repetitive coughing can sometimes injure the ribs, leading to bruising or, in severe cases, a fracture.

These signs may indicate a rib injury:

• Sharp, intense pain: Your pain is sharp and may be constant or may be triggered by coughing, sneezing, or deep breathing.
• Bruising: Visible bruising or swelling may appear.
• Difficulty breathing: Taking deep breaths can be painful, so you may feel inclined to breathe shallowly.

Rib injuries require interventions a step above the ones for muscle strain. If you think you might have a rib injury, go ahead and:

• Get a medical evaluation: A doctor can assess the injury and recommend treatment, which may include rest and pain management.
• Medicate for pain when necessary: Over-the-counter medications can help, but more severe cases might require prescription painkillers.
• Avoid heavy lifting: Minimize physical activities that could exacerbate your pain.

If you suspect a rib injury, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if you’re having difficulty breathing.

3. Pleurisy: When the Lining of Your Lungs is Inflamed

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, occurs when the pleura—the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs—becomes inflamed. This condition can make breathing and coughing painful, often causing sharp pain on one side of the chest or abdomen.

Signs of Pleurisy include:

• Sharp chest pain: The pain is usually localized to one side and worsens with coughing or deep breathing.
• Pain spreading to the shoulder or back: The pain may radiate from your side to other areas.
• Shortness of breath: Pleurisy can make breathing difficult.

If you think you might have pleurisy, here’s what to do:

• Consult a healthcare provider: Pleurisy is not the only cause of sharp chest pain, especially if associated with shortness of breath. Sometimes pain on inspiration associated with a blood clot in the lungs, called a Pulmonary Embolus. Pulmonary Embolus can be life threatening, so don’t wait to call your doctor or go to the emergency department. In addition, pleurisy often requires medical treatment, including anti-inflammatory medications and sometimes antibiotics if an infection is the cause.
• Rest: Take it easy to avoid exacerbating the pain.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids can help thin mucus, which can ease symptoms if an infection is involved.

Sharp chest pain on inspiration can be a symptom of a serious condition that needs immediate threatment, so don’t wait to consult your doctor if these symptoms sound familiar.

4. Gallbladder Issues: An Unexpected Culprit

Although it may seem unrelated, gallbladder problems—such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis)—can cause pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, which may be aggravated by coughing.

Common symptoms of gallbladder issues include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen: The pain might radiate to your right shoulder or back.
• Nausea or vomiting: Gallbladder issues can cause digestive symptoms.
• Worsening pain after eating: Fatty meals can trigger or worsen gallbladder-related pain in the abdomen.

What you can do:

• Schedule a medical consultation: A doctor can diagnose gallbladder issues through imaging tests and recommend treatment, which might include dietary changes, medication, or surgery.
• Modify your diet: Avoid fatty foods that can trigger symptoms.
• Manage your pain: While over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief, it’s crucial to seek professional medical evaluation for persistent or severe pain.

Gallbladder issues often require medical attention, so it’s essential to seek care if you suspect this might be the cause of your pain. If you have a fever associated with right sided pain, or the whites of your eyes start to turn yellow, go to the emergency department right away.

When to See a Doctor

While occasional pain in your side when coughing might not be a cause for immediate concern, persistent or severe pain should not be ignored. Consider seeking medical advice if:

• The pain is severe or worsening.
• You have difficulty breathing.
• There is swelling, bruising, or redness in the affected area.
• You experience additional symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss.

At WOW Healing Care, we understand that pain when coughing can be both frustrating and concerning. Our direct primary care clinic is here to provide personalized care and help you get to the root of your symptoms. Whether you need a diagnosis, pain management, or advice on preventing future issues, we’re here to support your health journey.

Nasty Cough? Side Pain? Feel Like Something Else is Going On?

Our team is ready to assist you with any concerns. Don’t let pain hold you back—reach out to us today for compassionate, comprehensive care. Take advantage of our DPC perks by calling 760-425-4466 for a same- or next-day appointment. We’ll help you feel good as new!