What are the common causes of chest pain, cough, and fever occurring together. When should you see a doctor for these symptoms. How can you differentiate between serious and mild conditions causing these symptoms.

The Triad of Chest Pain, Cough, and Fever: An Overview

Experiencing chest pain, cough, and fever simultaneously can be alarming and may indicate various underlying health conditions. These symptoms often occur together in respiratory infections, but they can also signal more serious issues that require immediate medical attention. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being.

Common Causes of Chest Pain, Cough, and Fever

Several health conditions can lead to the combination of chest pain, cough, and fever. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Influenza (Flu)
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis
• Pericarditis
• Infectious esophagitis

Each of these conditions has its unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Let’s explore them in more detail.

Influenza (Flu)

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects millions of people worldwide each year and can range from mild to severe cases.

Is the flu a common cause of chest pain, cough, and fever? Yes, the flu is one of the most frequent causes of these symptoms occurring together. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8% of the United States population gets infected with the flu each season.

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Pressure or pain in the chest or abdomen
• Fever (although not everyone with the flu will have a fever)

Treatment for the flu typically involves rest, increased fluid intake, and antiviral drugs in some cases. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. It can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

How does bronchitis cause chest pain, cough, and fever? The inflammation of the bronchial tubes leads to increased mucus production and irritation, resulting in coughing. This persistent coughing can cause chest discomfort or pain. The body’s immune response to the infection can trigger a fever.

Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Persistent cough
• Slight fever
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue
• Mucus production
• Chills
• Shortness of breath

Treatment for bronchitis may include cough medicine, inhalers, antibiotics (if the cause is bacterial), and using a humidifier to ease breathing. Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve on their own within a few weeks.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Why is pneumonia considered a serious cause of chest pain, cough, and fever? Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The infection can cause severe inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to significant chest pain, persistent cough, and high fever.

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Fever
• Cough (often producing mucus)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Chills

Treatment for pneumonia depends on its cause and severity. It may include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for symptom relief, increased fluid intake, rest, antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia), and in severe cases, oxygen therapy or hospitalization.

Less Common but Serious Causes

While respiratory infections are the most common causes of chest pain, cough, and fever occurring together, there are other, less frequent but potentially serious conditions to consider.

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It can affect the heart’s electrical system, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively.

How can myocarditis cause chest pain, cough, and fever? The inflammation of the heart muscle can cause chest pain. As the heart’s function is compromised, it may lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing cough. The body’s immune response to the inflammation can result in fever.

Symptoms of myocarditis include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Sore throat

Treatment for myocarditis may involve medications such as beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, carvedilol), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan), and diuretics. In severe cases, hospitalization and more intensive treatments may be necessary.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the protective sac that surrounds the heart. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Why does pericarditis cause chest pain that may be mistaken for a heart attack? The inflammation of the pericardium can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that may worsen when lying down or taking deep breaths. This pain can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, making it crucial to seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis.

Common symptoms of pericarditis include:

• Chest pain (typically in the center or left side of the chest)
• Pain that may travel to the shoulder and neck
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Cough
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen

Treatment for pericarditis often involves over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. In some cases, colchicine or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Rest and avoiding strenuous activities are also important for recovery.

Infectious Esophagitis

Infectious esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus caused by various infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Can infectious esophagitis be mistaken for a respiratory infection? Yes, because the symptoms of infectious esophagitis can mimic those of respiratory infections. The chest pain associated with swallowing may be mistaken for general chest discomfort, and the fever can be similar to that experienced in respiratory illnesses.

Symptoms of infectious esophagitis include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain when swallowing
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Nausea

Treatment for infectious esophagitis depends on the underlying cause. Antifungal medications like fluconazole are used for fungal esophagitis, antiviral medications such as acyclovir for viral esophagitis, and antibiotics for bacterial esophagitis.

When to See a Doctor: Recognizing Red Flags

Knowing when to seek medical attention for chest pain, cough, and fever is crucial. While many cases may resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical care.

When should you seek immediate medical attention for chest pain? If you experience sudden, severe chest pain, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, you should call emergency services immediately. These symptoms could indicate a heart attack, which requires urgent medical intervention.

For fever, adults should contact their doctor if their temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. Additionally, seek immediate medical care if your fever is accompanied by:

• Severe headache
• Unusual or worsening rash
• Mental confusion
• Neck pain
• Abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Pain when urinating
• Seizures or convulsions

It’s important to note that symptoms can present differently in various populations. For instance, women may experience atypical symptoms of a heart attack, such as unexplained fatigue, nausea, or vomiting, in addition to or instead of chest pain.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chest Pain, Cough, and Fever

When you visit a healthcare provider with symptoms of chest pain, cough, and fever, they will likely employ a range of diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause.

How do doctors diagnose the cause of chest pain, cough, and fever? The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any factors that worsen or alleviate them.
2. Physical examination: This includes listening to your heart and lungs, checking your temperature, and examining your throat and chest.
3. Blood tests: These can help identify infections, check for markers of inflammation, and assess heart function.
4. Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be ordered to visualize the lungs, heart, and other structures in the chest.
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can help diagnose heart-related issues.
6. Specialized tests: Depending on the suspected cause, additional tests such as echocardiograms, stress tests, or bronchoscopies may be performed.

The specific combination of tests will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and the healthcare provider’s clinical suspicion.

Treatment Approaches and Home Care

Treatment for chest pain, cough, and fever varies depending on the underlying cause. However, there are some general approaches and home care strategies that can help manage symptoms and promote recovery.

What are some general treatment strategies for managing chest pain, cough, and fever at home? Here are some approaches that may help:

• Rest: Give your body time to recover by getting plenty of sleep and avoiding strenuous activities.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help thin mucus and prevent dehydration.
• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help ease breathing and reduce coughing.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
• Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other respiratory irritants that may worsen your cough or chest discomfort.

It’s important to note that these home care strategies should not replace professional medical advice. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, always consult with a healthcare provider.

Prevention Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent chest pain, cough, and fever, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing these symptoms, particularly those caused by infectious diseases.

How can you reduce your risk of developing respiratory infections that cause chest pain, cough, and fever? Consider these preventive measures:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Get vaccinated: Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, including annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines if advised by your healthcare provider.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and manage stress to support your immune system.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals: If possible, keep your distance from people who have contagious illnesses.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections. If you smoke, consider quitting or seek help to do so.
• Practice safe food handling: Properly store, prepare, and cook foods to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses that can cause fever and other symptoms.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing conditions that cause chest pain, cough, and fever.

Causes and When to See a Doctor

Fever and Chest Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor

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Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham on November 19, 2019

Individually, fever and chest pain are often a sign that you should see your doctor. But if you experience fever and chest pain at the same time, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

When to see a doctor for a fever

As an adult, you should call your doctor if your fever reaches 103°F or higher. You should get immediate medical care if your fever is accompanied by:

• chest pain
• severe headache
• unusual, worsening rash
• mental confusion
• neck pain
• abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• pain when urinating
• seizures or convulsions

When to see a doctor for chest pain

New or unexplained chest pain can raise the concern of a heart attack. If you feel that you’re having a heart attack, immediately seek medical help. Your chances of surviving a heart attack are greater the sooner emergency medical treatment starts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with chest pain and discomfort, the major symptoms of heart attack are:

• lightheadedness
• weakness
• jaw, neck, or back pain
• arm or shoulder discomfort
• shortness of breath

Women may experience other symptoms of a heart attack, including unexplained or unusual:

• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting

There are a number of health conditions that may cause both fever and chest pain, including:

• flu
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• myocarditis
• pericarditis
• infectious esophagitis

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can be mild, severe, or even fatal. It’s caused by the influenza virus infecting the nose, throat, and lungs.

According to the CDC, on average about 8 percent of the population of the United States gets infected each flu season.

• Symptoms: headache, muscle ache, cough, stuffy nose, fatigue, chills, sore throat, pressure or pain in chest or abdomen, fever (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
• Treatment: rest, fluids, antiviral drugs

Bronchitis is an infection of the mucous membrane that lines the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from your lungs.

• Symptoms: cough, slight fever, chest discomfort, fatigue, mucus production, chills, shortness of breath
• Treatment: cough medicine, inhaler, antibiotics (if bacterial), humidifier

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

• Symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, chills
• Treatment: over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, fluids, humidifier, rest, antibiotics (if bacterial), oxygen therapy

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

• Symptoms: chest pain, fatigue, fluid retention, arrhythmias, shortness of breath, headache, fever, joint pain, sore throat
• Treatment: beta-blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (enalapril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (valsartan, losartan), diuretics

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart.

• Symptoms: chest pain (center or left side), pain traveling to shoulder and neck, heart palpitations, fatigue, low grade fever, cough, swelling (leg or abdomen)
• Treatment: OTC medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, colchicine, corticosteroids

Infectious esophagitis is irritation and swelling of the esophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach. It’s caused by a virus, bacteria, or a fungus.

• Symptoms: difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, chest pain, fever, nausea
• Treatment: antifungal medication (fluconazole) for fungal esophagitis, antiviral medication (acyclovir) for viral esophagitis, antibiotics for bacterial esophagitis

Individually, fever and chest pain are a reason for concern and a visit with your doctor.

If you have fever and chest pain at the same time, seek immediate medical care. It could be a sign of a serious health condition.

Last medically reviewed on November 19, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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• Influenza (flu). Treatment: What you need to know. (2019).
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• Key facts about influenza (flu). (2019). 
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• Lehrer J, et al. (n.d.). Infectious esophagitis.
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• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Fever.
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• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Bronchitis. 
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• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Pericarditis.
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• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Myocarditis. 
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• Pneumonia symptoms and diagnosis. (2019).
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Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — By Scott Frothingham on November 19, 2019

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11 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

A variety of conditions, from pneumonia to lung cancer, can cause chest pain and cough. Some conditions may improve on their own, while others will need medical treatment.

If you have a cough, you might chalk it up to the common cold or throat irritation. But what if you develop chest pain with a cough? Should you be worried?

Chest pain and coughing can occur with conditions that affect the lungs, like acute bronchitis and pneumonia.

To help you narrow down the exact cause, check out the following list of 11 possible causes of chest pain and coughing.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. It’s sometimes referred to as a chest cold.

Irritation of your bronchial tubes can cause repeated bouts of coughing, which can lead to chest soreness. Acute bronchitis is temporary, with symptoms generally lasting less than three weeks.

Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in your lungs. It can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Pneumonia leads to increased pus and fluid in the lungs, which can trigger coughing. Persistent coughing, in turn, causes chest pain.

Other symptoms of pneumonia include:

• high fever
• chills
• muscle pain
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• low blood oxygen levels

The pleura is the tissue lining your lungs and chest cavity. There are three main types of pleural disorders:

• pleurisy, which involves inflammation of the pleura
• pleural effusion, which occurs when fluid builds up in the area between the two layers of pleura, known as the pleural space. One kind of pleural effusion, called empyema, occurs when pus is present in the pleural space
• pneumothorax, which happens when air or gas is present in the pleural space

A cough that causes chest pain might be due to any of these conditions. Inflammation can cause sharp chest pain that worsens when you breathe, sneeze, or cough.

Inflammation and fluid buildup can also make it difficult to breathe, triggering a cough in some people.

Pericarditis occurs when the sac-like tissue covering your heart, called the pericardium, becomes inflamed. It’s usually caused by a virus, but can also be caused by a bacterial infection or another disease.

Chest pain is a main symptom, and pericarditis may be mistaken for a heart attack or pleurisy. Other symptoms can include:

• cough
• fever
• fatigue
• difficulty breathing

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause the following symptoms:

• fever
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• runny nose
• headache
• fatigue

The infection can also trigger a persistent cough, which can lead to chest soreness or chest pain. Chest discomfort tends to improve once the cough lessens.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term to describe progressive, chronic lung diseases. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. The main symptom of COPD is breathlessness.

Smoking and long-term exposure to poor air can cause this disease.

Inflammation in the lungs can increase mucus production, causing a chronic cough and chest tightness.

With asthma, inflammation causes narrowing of the airways. This narrowing can make it difficult to breathe, causing a chronic cough in some people.

Asthma can also cause excess mucus, which may contribute to a cough. Chest pain can follow a coughing bout, and difficulty breathing can feel like chest tightness.

Acid reflux is a digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. It can cause regurgitation and nausea, as well as coughing.

Heartburn is a classic symptom of acid reflux. It can feel like burning in the chest.

Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough. A blood clot in your lungs can feel like a heart attack, and you may cough up bloody streaks of sputum.

Other symptoms include:

• breathing quickly
• pain when breathing deeply
• raised heart rate
• lightheadedness
• sweating

If you have a history of smoking and develop a persistent cough with chest pain, see a doctor.

Early lung cancer may not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, you may develop chest tightness or pain. Shortness of breath can lead to a chronic cough that produces blood.

It’s also possible to have noncancerous lung nodules, or abnormal growths in the lung. These may sometimes come into contact with your airway and cause you to cough.

Interstitial lung disease refers to several diseases that cause scarring, known as fibrosis, in the lungs. The scarring makes your lungs stiff, making it hard to breathe and causing a dry cough and chest pain.

The risk of developing interstitial lung disease may be increased by:

• medical treatments like chemotherapy
• genetics
• exposure to materials like asbestos
• smoking
• diseases like rheumatoid arthritis

Damage to the lungs from this condition is usually irreversible.

There isn’t a single test to diagnose the underlying cause of a cough and chest pain.

At your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about accompanying symptoms. Be honest about how you feel. From here, your doctor may order imaging tests of your chest to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or tumors.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also have you undergo a few tests, including:

• Imaging tests: These may include a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
• Pulmonary function tests: These tests will measure your lung function and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood.
• Bronchoscopy: This test uses a scope to check your airways.
• Ultrasound: This can look for fluid or air around your lungs.
• Sputum test: This is to check your mucus for signs of an infection or lung cancer cells.
• Complete blood count: This blood test checks for disorders including infections and autoimmune diseases.

Treatment for chest pain and coughing depend on the underlying condition.

• Viral infection: There’s no cure for a viral infection like the flu or viral acute bronchitis. In this case, the virus has to run its course, although over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medications can help you feel better. These medications can relieve a fever, body aches, and other flu symptoms.

• Bacterial infection: If you have a bacterial infection, like some types of pneumonia or bronchitis, you’ll need to take antibiotics. Even if you start to feel better after a few days, take the full course of a prescribed antibiotic to ensure full treatment of the infection.

• Pleural disorders and pericarditis: Medications can treat infections while corticosteroids reduce inflammation. Pain relievers may also be used.

• Chronic conditions: For chronic conditions like COPD or asthma, your doctor can recommend a therapy based on the severity of your symptoms. For example, a bronchodilator and other COPD medications can help reduce breathlessness. Or you may need to use a short-acting or long-acting inhaler for asthma.
• Pulmonary embolism: Treatment for a pulmonary embolism will involve blood thinners and perhaps a procedure to remove a large blood clot.
• Lung cancer: Lung cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy drugs, or radiation to shrink a tumor.
• Interstitial lung disease: Treatment depends on the type of disease, but may include oxygen therapy. Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation can also help.

Along with conventional therapy and rest, home remedies can help relieve symptoms. If a nagging cough causes chest pain, treating the cough may ease chest discomfort.

• Drink warm fluids: Warm water or tea can soothe your throat and bronchial tubes, easing a persistent cough. Honey can also act as a cough suppressant, so it may help to add 1 or 2 teaspoons to your drink.
• Use a humidifier: A humidifier reduces dryness in the air. The extra moisture can loosen or thin mucus in your throat.
• Avoid smoke exposure: Exposure to smoke and other air pollutants can worsen a cough and increase chest pain. Try to avoid secondhand smoke, and if you currently smoke, talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program to help you quit.
• Suck on throat lozenges to soothe your throat: Throat irritation from a viral infection or chest infection can also cause a persistent cough, leading to chest pain.
• Take OTC medication: A cough suppressant can help ease a cough. To avoid drug interactions, talk to your doctor first if you’re taking a prescription medication.

A cough and chest pain can be a minor annoyance, or they can progress into serious complications.

The flu and common cold can sometimes advance to pneumonia. If left untreated, pneumonia can cause sepsis and respiratory failure.

Severe COPD and an asthma attack can also be life-threatening if they cause respiratory failure. Similarly, untreated pulmonary embolism can lead to lung tissue damage. Pulmonary embolism causes around 100,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

Untreated pleural disorders can result in serious health issues, including the collapse of a lung or sepsis.

Early detection and treatment is also crucial with lung cancer to prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other parts of the body.

A nagging cough might not be of concern. You may wonder, though, when chest pain is serious and when you should worry.

See a doctor if you have an unexplained cough that doesn’t improve for more than three weeks, or if it’s accompanied by chest pain or other symptoms like:

• fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• bloody mucus with your cough
• leg pain or swelling
• shortness of breath
• hoarseness
• feeling weak
• dizziness
• fatigue

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a doctor.

A variety of conditions can trigger a cough with chest pain, so it can be difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause. Talk to your doctor, and be honest about your symptoms. The more information you provide, the easier it’ll be for your doctor to make a diagnosis.

why it occurs and what to do if it hurts in the chest when coughing

Published: March 24

Updated: May 31

Reading time: 4 minutes

Chest cough is the main symptom of inflammation in the airways and bronchitis. With such a cough, a person experiences an unpleasant sensation of sputum appearing in the chest area. If timely treatment of chest cough is not carried out, it can lead to complications, such as pleurisy, pneumonia.

Symptoms of chest cough

Depending on the type, course, severity of the disease, chest cough may occur in conjunction with the following symptoms:

• sore throat, burning;
• wheezing during or after coughing;
• chest pain;
• coryza;
• fever, elevated body temperature;
• weakness, general malaise, loss of appetite;
• hoarseness of voice;
• chills;
• headache;
• labored breathing;
• sweating;
• myalgia of the legs, arms, back;
• shortness of breath even with slight exertion.

The appearance of one or more of these symptoms should serve as a signal for immediate medical attention to determine the diagnosis and begin treatment. Otherwise, the risk of complications increases. The primary diagnosis is carried out by the therapist, then, if necessary, refers to highly specialized specialists.

Deep chest cough may be acute or chronic. Acute appears against the background of a cold, passes within 1-3 weeks. In the early days of a respiratory infection, coughing may be due to virus-induced inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, which can progress if left untreated with further spread to the lower respiratory tract: bronchi, lung tissue. A prolonged cough is characteristic of a chronic pathology of the respiratory system; the patient may experience it for several months. Relapses occur most often in winter and in the off-season. By the nature of chest cough can be:

• unproductive (dry) is a chest cough without expectoration;
• unproductive — characterized by a small amount of sputum difficult to separate;
• productive (wet) – with sputum, which is excreted intensively.

Causes of chest cough

Severe chest cough can be caused by infectious diseases or other factors. The most common reasons include:

• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• tracheitis;
• laryngitis;
• pharyngitis;
• inflammation of the nasopharynx – sinusitis, tonsillitis;
• allergy;
• asthma;
• bad habits;
• oncology;
• parasitic infections;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• inhalation of dusty, smoky or toxic air.

Only a consultation with a doctor and a detailed examination will help to determine exactly why coughing hurts in the chest area. The reasons can also be pathologies in which volumetric formations of other organs press on the airways, or fibrosing processes occur in the lungs.

Treatment of chest cough

After examination and examination, the doctor prescribes remedies for chest cough, based on the causes and course of the disease. Treatment should be complex and should be aimed at both reducing the severity of symptoms and eliminating the underlying cause of the disease .

The patient is prescribed bed rest, stay at home until complete recovery. The air in the room should be moderately humidified. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm fortified drinks: berry fruit drinks, juices, compotes, herbal teas. If the cough is unproductive, dry, it is advisable to drink non-carbonated mineral water, milk with soda. As prescribed by the doctor, the patient can do breathing exercises to help expel sputum and cleanse the bronchi.

The doctor may prescribe medicines taking into account the nature and nature of the cough: antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antihistamines, mucolytics, drugs that restore bronchial patency. To alleviate the condition, it is recommended to use drugs that promote sputum discharge, reduce inflammation.

Rengalin is indicated for productive and non-productive cough. It has a three-component composition, due to which the activity of the cough center is regulated, it has an anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator effect. Rengalin is combined with other antitussive drugs – mucolytics, secretolytics. The drug is suitable for adults and children from the age of three, it is produced in two forms: an oral solution and lozenges.

Physiotherapy and herbal medicine may also be indicated for chest cough. On the recommendation of a doctor, you can use mustard plasters and compresses in the absence of allergies. If the disease acquires a complicated course, or the patient’s condition is acute and requires urgent therapeutic measures, such as an asthma attack, acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, urgent hospitalization is required.

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Pain when coughing – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Fungus

Ulcer

Tracheitis

Pneumonia

Pleurisy

Gastroesophageal reflux

Lung cancer

Pericarditis

Neuralgia

6238

09December

Pain when coughing: causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Cough pain is most often associated with respiratory diseases and is localized in the chest.

The respiratory system consists of the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, larynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi and lungs). The air passing through the respiratory tract is purified, warmed, moistened. At the end of the smallest bronchi (bronchioles) are the alveolar passages and alveolar sacs, in which gas exchange occurs. Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveolar sacs with alveoli make up the alveolar tree, or respiratory parenchyma of the lung. The listed structures, originating from one terminal bronchiole, form a functional-anatomical unit – the acinus. The alveolar ducts and sacs belonging to one respiratory bronchiole make up the primary lobule (there are about 16 of them in each acinus). The number of acini in both lungs reaches 30,000, and the alveoli – 300-350 million. Slices are made up of acini, segments are made of lobules, lobes are made of segments, and the whole lung is made of lobes.

Each lung is enclosed in a double membrane – two sheets of pleura, between which there is an airtight pleural cavity filled with a very small amount of fluid.

Cough is a protective reaction of the body to any irritation of the respiratory tract. Irritants of cough receptors can be sputum, blood in the respiratory tract, nasal mucus flowing down the back of the throat, various allergens, smoke, dust, foreign bodies, cold air, some drugs, etc.

Varieties of pain when coughing

Pain when coughing can be strong or weak intensity, acute or dull, limited or spilled. Localization of pain depends on the cause of the cough and on the affected organ. It can be felt in the throat, behind the sternum, inside the chest, under the ribs, in the back, abdomen, and radiate to the head. Cough and pain can be both symptoms of the same disease, and independent of each other.

Possible causes of pain when coughing

The following causes of pain when coughing are distinguished:

• overstrain of the respiratory muscles involved in coughing;
• diseases of the respiratory system;
• heart disease;
• injuries and diseases of the bones, muscles and nerves of the chest;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• kidney disease, etc.

What diseases cause pain when coughing?

In diseases accompanied by a constant painful cough, the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm are overstrained, which is manifested by dull, diffuse muscle pain.

When inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea (with tracheitis) occurs dry, loud, hoarse, rough cough, which is characterized by burning and pain behind the sternum.

The severity of the pain decreases when a dry cough turns into a wet one. Tracheitis is more often infectious, caused by viruses or bacteria.

In patients, the general state of health worsens, the body temperature rises.

With inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) there is a deep cough with sputum, there is pain in the chest in the projection of the inflamed area of ​​the lung.

The pain increases with coughing and deep inspiration due to the movement of the pleura, and decreases if the patient lies on the side of the affected lung.

Inflammation of the lungs can be primary, in which case the disease begins acutely – with chills, weakness, fever up to 38-39°C, accompanied by cough and difficulty breathing, more often proceeds as a lobar lesion, that is, the inflammatory process captures the whole lobe with the involvement of a large area of ​​the pleura. And it happens secondary, when inflammation passes from the bronchi to the lung tissue. A focus of bronchopneumonia occurs, but even in this case the pleura may become inflamed, with the only difference being that the size of the lesion is much smaller. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.

Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) may or may not be infectious. Infectious pleurisy occurs with pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchiectasis (expansion and deformation of the bronchi with the development of chronic purulent inflammation), tuberculosis, abscess under the diaphragm, inflammation of the perirenal adipose tissue, inflammation of the pancreas. Non-infectious pleurisy due to systemic connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.), spread of tumor cells to the pleura, decreased pumping function of the heart (for example, with myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism), chest trauma (closed fracture of the ribs ) etc. Pleurisy can be dry, in this case the amount of fluid in the pleural cavity decreases, the inflamed pleura sheets do not slide, but rub against each other when breathing, which provokes a very painful reflex cough, which increases with inspiration. Pleurisy is exudative when, due to the inflammatory process, fluid is secreted and accumulates in the pleural cavity. During the period of fluid accumulation, the clinical picture is similar to dry pleurisy, then the fluid pushes the pleura sheets apart, the pain becomes weaker, but at the same time, due to compression of the lung, shortness of breath occurs.

With gastroesophageal reflux disease , due to the reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus, its mucous membrane becomes inflamed, heartburn, sour belching, pain, burning behind the sternum and cough, which aggravates the pain, are observed.

The lung tissue does not have pain receptors, therefore in lung cancer pain appears when tumor cells grow into the surrounding tissues – the pleura, trachea, bronchi, etc. In this case, the patient is worried about a painful cough, often with blood. General well-being worsens, weakness, weight loss for no apparent reason worries.

A similar situation occurs if metastases from other organs enter the lungs, this may be with cancer of the breast, stomach, esophagus, rectum, skin (melanoma), kidneys, liver, etc.

Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), according analogies with pleurisy, it is dry and effusion. It can be caused by heart diseases (myocardial infarction, inflammation of the heart muscle, etc.), various infections, systemic connective tissue diseases, heart injuries, tumors, etc. Dry pericarditis is accompanied by gradually increasing dull, pressing pain behind the sternum, radiating to the neck, left shoulder blade. In this case, there is a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dry cough, which increases the pain. As fluid accumulates between the sheets of the pericardium, the condition worsens due to compression of the heart.

Intercostal neuralgia occurs when the intercostal nerve is compressed at the level of exit from the spine or along its course. It is manifested by acute, aching pain, aggravated during a deep breath and cough.

Cough increases pressure in the abdominal cavity and pelvic area, therefore, in inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, appendicitis), pelvic organs (for example, inflammation of the ovaries), hernias (white line of the abdomen, umbilical, inguinal) cough can provoke or exacerbate existing pain.

The brain and spinal cord is washed with cerebrospinal fluid, its fluctuations when coughing increase intracranial pressure , headache occurs. This process can be of a natural nature, or it can hide serious diseases: volumetric formations in the cranial cavity, vascular anomalies that prevent the movement of cerebrospinal fluid.

Which doctors to contact?

First of all, you should refer to
general practitioner or general practitioner, and he, if necessary, will refer you for a consultation with a specialist (
gastroenterologist,
neurologist
cardiologist, etc.).

Diagnosis and examination in case of pain when coughing

To identify the causes of pain when coughing, the doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts a thorough examination of the patient and prescribes additional laboratory and instrumental studies.

• Clinical blood test with expanded leukocyte formula.

ECG without interpretation

ECG is a study based on the registration of biopotentials of the heart. It is used to diagnose the functional activity of the myocardium.

RUB 890

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Gastroscopy

Examination of the mucous membrane of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the possibility of performing a biopsy or endoscopic removal of small pathological. ..

4 490 rubles

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What should I do if I have pain when coughing?

Cough pain is a reason to see a specialist.

If the pain is of high intensity or is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, a rise in body temperature, increasing shortness of breath, heart palpitations, hemoptysis, nausea, vomiting and other serious symptoms, seeking medical help should be immediate.

Cough pain treatment

Pain when coughing is only a symptom, therefore, to eliminate it, the underlying disease is treated.

In infectious and inflammatory lesions of the respiratory system, antiviral, antibacterial and other drugs that affect the infectious agent are used. Symptomatic treatment is carried out with anti-inflammatory, sputum-thinning and expectorant drugs, less often – drugs that stop coughing.

If pleurisy or pericarditis has an effusion (accumulation of fluid in a cavity), puncture the lung or heart membrane to remove the fluid and unload the lungs or heart.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is treated with drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice and reduce its amount, as well as drugs that speed up the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

An attack of intercostal neuralgia is relieved by the use of painkillers in the form of tablets, injections or transdermal patches.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Community-acquired pneumonia in adults”. Developed by: Russian Respiratory Society, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. – 2021.
2. Cough: a guide for general practitioners (family doctors). – 2015.
3. Clinical guidelines “Pneumonia (community-acquired)” (children). Developed by: Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. – 2022.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.