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What Causes Sharp Pain While Sneezing Or Coughing

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Posted on Sat, 18 Oct 2014
Twitter Sat, 18 Oct 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 10 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : When I sneeze or cough I have a sharp pain in my right side(kidney area) that first started a week ago .....it still hasn't went away. What might these symptoms be attributed to. When I take a deep breathe I don't get the pain.
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Mostly like related to muscle strain!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this pain that you reported. From the description and nature of this pain, it seems to be caused by a muscle strain. During sneezing and coughing, our abdominal muscles contract forcefully to be able to force out secretions and in the respiratory passages. Should this happen constantly, the muscles get strained and you would experience pain. Deep breathing doesn't require as much contractions and many muscles as sneezing and coughing and would not be uncommon if you do not experience this pain.

I will recommend that you take Tylenol and ibuprofen to address this pain as recommended by your pharmacist. If the cough and sneeze do subside, the pain would soon disappear as the muscles become relaxed and not constantly being over used.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6315 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain While Sneezing Or Coughing

Brief Answer: Mostly like related to muscle strain! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this pain that you reported. From the description and nature of this pain, it seems to be caused by a muscle strain. During sneezing and coughing, our abdominal muscles contract forcefully to be able to force out secretions and in the respiratory passages. Should this happen constantly, the muscles get strained and you would experience pain. Deep breathing doesn't require as much contractions and many muscles as sneezing and coughing and would not be uncommon if you do not experience this pain. I will recommend that you take Tylenol and ibuprofen to address this pain as recommended by your pharmacist. If the cough and sneeze do subside, the pain would soon disappear as the muscles become relaxed and not constantly being over used. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.