A cough can be a protective response to irritation and infections. But when it goes with chest pain and tightness, it could mean a more serious condition.
Cough with chest pain is a sign of lungs or respiratory tract infection. Normally, an acute cough heals within 3 weeks, either on its own or with the help of natural home remedies.
But if your cough persists for over 8 weeks, or accompanied with other symptoms such as dull chest pain, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing up blood, and other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
This article is all about coughs, and chest pain, their causes,
and remedies.
Table of Contents
Causes of coughs with chest pain, & their treatments.
1. Lung cancer.
It is a cancer that begins in the lungs. It is mostly caused by tobacco smoking.
Smoking has caused over 75% of global lung cancer.
Symptoms of lung cancer.
- Persistent cough.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Headache.
- Weight loss.
Remedy
If you have any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, treatment may be with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation.
2. Pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This infection leads to inflammation of the air sac, causing different symptoms such as.
- Cough with chest pain.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Confusion
- Coughing up phlegm or mucus.
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
Remedy.
Pneumonia is a serious disease, it may not respond to home remedies.
Although having enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, quitting alcohol and smoking may offer temporary relief, but you will still need to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Asthma.
Asthma is a respiratory tract infection that makes your airways swell and become narrow.
The inflamed airways cause breathing difficulty, chest pain, dry coughing, and other symptoms.
Remedy.
Use an inhaler immediately you notice the first symptoms of the ailment,
and also seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.
4. Acute bronchitis.
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, (a tube that carries air in and out of your lungs).
It is caused by excessive smoking, allergies, and exposure to industrial pollutants.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, cough and chest pain.
Remedy.
You can get rid of acute bronchitis with some home remedies such as staying away from the cause, drinking plenty of hot fluids, using a humidifier, and other methods.
But if the symptoms persist, see a doctor.
5. Pleurisy.
This is the inflammation of the tissue that separates the lungs from the chest wall.
The inflammation results in a cough with chest pain, breathing difficulty, and headaches.
Several factors may cause pleurisy such as:
- Bacterial infection.
- Fungi.
- Virus.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Tuberculosis
- Sickle cells and others.
Remedy
Pleurisy can be treated by treating the root cause of the inflammation.
It is necessary that you undergo medical diagnosis for treatment.
6. Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is an infection of the lungs by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that spreads by air, through coughing, sneezes, and talks.
Their symptoms include:
Persistent cough.
Coughing up blood.
Loss of appetite.
Fever.
Weight loss.
Night sweat.
Remedy
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease and should never be treated at home.
Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms for diagnosis treatment.
7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD)
GERD, also known as heartburn or acid reflux is the regurgitation (flow back) of stomach acid into the esophagus.
It occurs when the sphincter muscle that prevents regurgitation is not functioning well, thereby allowing stomach acids to spring up into the esophagus.
GERD can be treated with drugs such as antacids, iberogast, and others.
You can also reduce GERD by avoiding the causes such as smoking, spicy foods, irregular eating habits, and others.
8. Pulmonary embolism.
This is when a blood clot blocks the pulmonary arteries of the lungs.
It can cause:
- Chronic cough with chest pain
- Coughing up blood.
- Shortness of breath.
- Change in skin colour (cyanosis)
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Sweating.
Pulmonary embolism can be treated with blood thinner medications, or with surgery.
9. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
This is a general name used to describe lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
They are caused by smoking and prolong exposure to a hazardous environment.
Their major symptom is breathing difficulty.
Treatment is with COPD, medications, and surgery. An inhaler can also be used for the temporal relief of the ailment.
How to know if chest pains are serious
Medically, chest pain is a sign of an emergency that requires immediate check-up.
Although all pains may not be critical, it is important to book an appointment with your doctor once you notice any.
Below are the signs that can make you seek emergency help.
Chest pain with shortness of breath.
Pains that spread to other parts of the body.
Coughing up blood.
Excessive sweating.
Rapid breathing.
Difficulty, swallowing
Low heart rate.
Persistent chest pain.
Coughing up green or yellow phlegm.
The tightness of the chest, and others.
Bottom line.
A chest pain cough is a sign of abnormality that must be treated.
Always report to your doctor whenever you notice any symptoms for diagnosis and treatment.
Source
- Occupational and Environmental Causes of Lung Cancer https://www.chestmed.theclinics.com/article/S0272-5231(12)00074-3/abstract
- What is COPD https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd/what-is-copd.html
- Pleural Disorders https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pleural-disorders
- Pulmonary embolism https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647?page=0&citems=10