Why does coughing cause pain in the lower body?

Generally, lower body pain triggered by coughing may be caused by muscle strain due to severe coughing, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, cystitis, and other conditions. Symptomatic management such as general treatment and medication may be needed. If discomfort persists, timely medical consultation is recommended to receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Muscle Strain Due to Severe Coughing

When coughing is severe, the forceful contractions may strain the abdominal and lower body muscles, causing pain in the lower body. This condition typically does not present with other symptoms besides coughing and lower body pain. It is recommended to perform pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises regularly, such as yoga or deep breathing exercises, to help relax the muscles.

2. Stress Urinary Incontinence

Increased abdominal pressure during coughing places additional stress on the bladder. In individuals with stress urinary incontinence, this may cause the urinary sphincter to fail to close completely, leading to involuntary leakage of urine and resulting in local irritation and pain. It is recommended to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly to strengthen control of the urinary sphincter.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

In women, poor hygiene may lead to pelvic inflammation and fluid accumulation. During coughing, the increased pressure from pelvic fluid may cause lower abdominal pain that may radiate to the perineal area, manifesting as perineal pain during coughing. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, increased vaginal discharge, and frequent urination. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Fuyankang Capsules, Gongxuening Capsules, or Gynecological Qianjin Tablets to alleviate symptoms.

4. Bacterial Vaginosis

When the natural balance of vaginal flora is disrupted, it may allow pathogenic bacteria to invade, causing inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and submucosal connective tissue. During coughing, increased abdominal pressure may exacerbate the irritation caused by vaginal inflammation, leading to lower body pain. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, changes in discharge characteristics, and vaginal itching. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Metronidazole suppositories, Nifuratel tablets, or Tinidazole capsules for treatment.

5. Cystitis

Cystitis may be triggered by bacterial infection, pre-existing bladder stones, or impaired urination function. Inflammation of the bladder mucosa may be aggravated by increased abdominal pressure during coughing, causing additional irritation and worsening of the inflammatory response, which leads to lower body pain. Symptoms often include frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Cefadroxil granules, Amoxicillin granules, or Erythromycin tablets for treatment.

It is recommended to rest adequately in daily life, avoid prolonged standing, sitting, or strenuous exercise to prevent increasing the burden on the lower body.