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11 Causes Of Chest Pain And Cough
A variety of conditions, from pneumonia to lung cancer, could cause chest pain and a cough. Some conditions may improve on their own, while others will need medical treatment.
A simple cough may be caused by the common cold, throat irritation, or allergies.
People may also develop chest pain with their cough, which could occur due to conditions that affect the lungs, like acute bronchitis and pneumonia.
To help you narrow down the exact cause, check out this list of 11 possible causes of chest pain and coughing.
Bronchitis, also referred to as a chest cold, occurs when the tubes that carry air from your trachea into your lungs become inflamed and filled with mucus.
Irritation of your bronchial tubes may cause repeated bouts of coughing. Your cough may initially be dry, then become productive. A "productive" cough means it produces mucus. This is the most common bronchitis symptom.
Acute bronchitis is temporary. Symptoms may last between 10 days and 3 weeks.
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in your lungs. The infection could be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
Pneumonia leads to increased pus and fluid in the lungs, which may trigger coughing. Persistent coughing, in turn, might cause chest pain.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include:
It's important to contact a doctor if you think you may have pneumonia. If left untreated, it could lead to sepsis and respiratory failure.
The pleura is the tissue that lines the outside of your lungs and inside of your chest cavity.
According to experts, three main types of pleural disorders may cause coughing and chest pain:
These disorders may be caused by:
Inflammation or fluid buildup may cause difficulty breathing and chest pain that worsens when you breathe, sneeze, or cough.
Pericarditis occurs when the sac-like tissue covering your heart, called the pericardium, becomes inflamed. It's usually caused by a virus, but may also be caused by a bacterial infection or another disease.
A common symptom is a sudden sharp pain in the middle of the chest. This may be mistaken for a heart attack. If you experience this, get immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms could also include:
Acute pericarditis may last between 1 and 3 weeks, while chronic pericarditis could last longer than 3 months.
The flu is a contagious respiratory condition that may trigger a dry, persistent cough. This may progressively become more painful and uncomfortable, leading to chest discomfort.
Other symptoms may include:
A flu-related cough may last up to 2 weeks. 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.
Early symptoms may include shortness of breath and a mild, recurrent cough.
As the inflammation in the lungs increases, your symptoms may worsen. This may result in a chronic cough, increased mucus production, and chest tightness.
It's important to speak with a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of COPD.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease typically caused by inflammation or excess mucus in the lining of your airway. This narrows your airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Some people may experience a chronic cough, leading to chest pain.
That said, chest pain may also happen before or during an asthma attack. The tightness or discomfort might feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain.
Acid reflux is a digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes irritation.
The most common symptom is heartburn, which may cause a burning sensation in your stomach, chest, and throat.
If you experience symptoms of acid reflux more than twice per week, speak with a doctor. This may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. It could cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough. A blood clot in your lungs might feel like a heart attack, and you may cough up sputum with bloody streaks.
Other symptoms may include:
Untreated pulmonary embolism could lead to lung tissue damage or be fatal. Every year, it may cause up to 100,000 deaths in the United States.
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. But, as the cancer grows, you may develop chest tightness or pain. Shortness of breath could also lead to a chronic cough that produces blood.
It's also possible to have noncancerous lung nodules, or atypical 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 stiffens your lungs, which makes it hard to breathe. It may also cause a dry cough and chest pain.
The risk of developing interstitial lung disease may be increased by:
One single test cannot diagnose the underlying cause of a cough and chest pain.
A doctor will typically conduct a physical and medical history examination. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may also have you undergo a few tests to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or tumors.
These tests may include:
Certain home remedies may help relieve chest discomfort by easing the cough, such as:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication is also available to help relieve your cough.
That said, treatment for chest pain and coughing will depend on the underlying condition.
Viral infectionThere'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 OTC cold and flu medications may help relieve symptoms.
Bacterial infectionIf you have a bacterial infection, like some types of pneumonia or bronchitis, you'll need to take antibiotics. It's important to take the full course of a prescribed antibiotic to ensure full treatment of the infection.
Pleural disorders and pericarditisMedications may help treat infections, while corticosteroids might reduce inflammation.
Chronic conditionsFor chronic conditions like COPD or asthma, a doctor may recommend a therapy based on the severity of your symptoms. For example, a bronchodilator and other COPD medications might help reduce breathlessness. Or you may need to use a short-acting or long-acting inhaler for asthma.
Pulmonary embolismTreatment may involve blood thinners and a procedure to remove a large blood clot.
Lung cancerLung cancer treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy drugs, or radiation.
Interstitial lung diseaseTreatment depends on the type of disease but may include:
A nagging cough might not be concerning, but chest pain may be serious.
Contact a doctor if you have an unexplained cough that doesn't improve for more than 3 weeks, or if it's accompanied by chest pain or other symptoms like:
Coughing and chest pain may be caused by the common cold, throat irritation, or some allergies. But they may also be a sign of something more serious.
Get medical assistance if you're experiencing:
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus may cause inflammation in your lungs and injury to your heart. This may cause a cough, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in your chest and lungs.
Nearly 17.7% of people with COVID-19 report chest pain. Other common symptoms may include fever, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue.
If you're experiencing a persistent cough and chest pain that won't go away, get medical help.
A variety of conditions may trigger a cough with chest pain, so it's often difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause.
If your symptoms are persistent or worsen, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, speak with a doctor. They may be able to diagnose the underlying cause and help build a proper treatment plan for you.
Heart Failure And Edema: What Is The Link?
Edema is a common complication of heart failure. It is not typically dangerous in itself, but the location and severity of the swelling can be an indicator of how severe the heart failure is.
Some types of edema, such as pulmonary edema, are a medical emergency. This condition causes fluid to accumulate around the lungs, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
However, the most typical type of edema people with heart failure experience affects the lower legs, feet, and hands.
This article explores heart failure and edema, including the link between them, whether the edema is serious, the treatment options, and more.
When a person has heart failure, the heart muscles cannot pump blood as effectively as they should. The heart lacks the necessary force to propel the blood through the arteries and back through the veins, leading to increased pressure in the blood vessels.
This elevation in pressure forces fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling, or edema.
There are two main forms of heart failure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic heart failure is the heart's weakened ability to contract and pump blood adequately.
In contrast, diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscles become stiff and have difficulty relaxing between contractions, negatively affecting the heart's filling capacity.
Either type of heart failure can lead to edema.
Edema that occurs due to heart failure can appear in various parts of the body, but it often develops in the lower extremities, including the legs, ankles, and feet.
Lower limb edema is a hallmark symptom of heart failure. It occurs due to the effects of gravity. Individuals may notice swelling and tightness in these areas, making walking or wearing shoes difficult.
Edema can also affect other body parts, depending on the severity and progression of heart failure. For instance, individuals may experience abdominal swelling, known as ascites. This occurs due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, causing distension and discomfort.
In more advanced cases of heart failure, edema may extend to other areas, such as the lungs. This is known as pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and a sensation of drowning. It is a medical emergency.
The most common form of edema in heart failure is not serious in itself. However, edema can indicate that heart failure is advanced or getting worse.
A 2021 review of past studies suggests that increased edema may predict worsening heart failure. As a result, it is an important clinical marker of heart failure progression.
Edema can occur in the later stages of heart failure, but it does not always indicate a person is in the final stage of heart failure.
Doctors use heart failure stages to describe the severity of a person's symptoms, their functional limitations, and structural heart disease progression. The stages are as follows:
As a result, people can have edema in several stages. However, very obvious or worsening edema is more likely to happen in the later stages.
Treating edema in heart failure involves addressing the underlying cause and the edema. Medical interventions primarily focus on managing heart failure and improving fluid balance in the body. Doctors may recommend additional measures to alleviate the edema directly.
Medications are crucial in managing heart failure and reducing fluid levels in the body. They may include:
In severe cases of heart failure, a person may also need implantable devices, such as a pump or defibrillator, to assist the heart's function.
Treating edema involves measures to improve circulation and reduce fluid accumulation. These may include:
The life expectancy for heart failure varies depending on the specific type of heart failure a person has, among other factors.
Despite advances in heart failure treatments, the outlook of the condition worsens over time, often leading to frequent hospital admissions and premature death.
People with newly diagnosed heart failure have a mortality rate of around 20% at 1 year and 53% at 5 years, according to some research. This rate increases significantly with age.
Edema is a common sign of heart failure. It occurs when the heart cannot pump blood adequately, leading to an increase in pressure inside the blood vessels. This causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.
Edema in heart failure often affects the lower limbs and fingers, but it can also occur around the abdomen. The severity and extent of edema may indicate the progression and severity of heart failure. Treatment may involve medications, compression stockings, and movement to increase circulation.
Suffering From Cough During Monsoon? Here're The Home Remedies
The monsoon brings joy and relief to many people from the scorching heat. But there's the other side of it. People suffer from various illnesses due to the favourable conditions that viruses and bacteria get during this time. One of the most common issues faced is respiratory issues and cough. There are several tried and tested home remedies that can help alleviate your cough and provide much-needed relief.
Reasons for Cough During Monsoon Viral InfectionsDuring monsoon, viral infections, such as the common cold and flu tend to be more prevalent. These infections often manifest with symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion. The rainwater and moisture facilitate the survival and spread of viruses, leading to increased transmission rates.
AsthmaIndividuals with asthma may find their symptoms aggravated during the monsoon season. The high humidity levels, coupled with mould growth, can trigger asthma attacks, causing coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
AllergiesMonsoon also brings a surge in allergens, such as pollen, mould spores, and dust mites. According to Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives, typhoon and heavy rain increase allergic diseases apart from asthma. People prone to allergies may experience coughing as a result of their immune system's response to these triggers. Allergic cough is often accompanied by itching, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
Respiratory IrritantsThe dampness in the air during the monsoon can cause an increase in airborne pollutants and irritants. Smoke, vehicular emissions, and indoor pollutants, such as dust and mould can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to persistent coughing.
Home Remedies for Cough Stay HydratedDrinking plenty of warm fluids like herbal teas, soups, and warm water with honey can help soothe the irritated throat and thin the mucus, making it easier to expel. Hydration also keeps the respiratory passages moist, reducing coughing fits.
Gargle with SaltwaterAccording to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the act of gargling with water has shown promise in alleviating symptoms and potentially even preventing upper respiratory tract infections, commonly known as the common cold. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, perform a 30-second gargle, and then spit out the mixture.
Steam InhalationInhaling steam can help moisten the respiratory passages, reduce congestion, and alleviate coughing. You need to add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam for 10-15 minutes.
Honey and GingerA mixture of honey and ginger has been used for ages to soothe coughs. A study featured in the journal Pediatric Clinics of North America explored the effects of honey on children aged two and older who experienced coughing as a result of upper respiratory tract infections.
The findings revealed that administering up to two teaspoons of honey before bedtime not only reduced nighttime coughing but also enhanced sleep quality. Mix a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger juice with a tablespoon of honey and consume it twice a day.
TulsiTulsi leaves possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat cough and cold symptoms. To have benefits, boil a handful of tulsi leaves in water, strain, and drink the concoction after adding a teaspoon of honey.
ConclusionCough during the monsoon can be bothersome, but with a few simple home remedies, you can find relief and protect your respiratory health. Remember to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and avoiding crowded places during the monsoon season.
If the cough persists or worsens, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and further guidance. By taking preventive measures and incorporating these natural remedies, you can ensure a healthier monsoon experience, free from the discomfort of coughing.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment as per your health needs.]
Image Credits: freepik
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