Can tetanus cause coughing?
Nov 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Tetanus usually does not directly cause coughing, but in severe cases, coughing may occur indirectly if respiratory muscle spasms lead to breathing difficulties or if there is a concurrent lung infection. If you have a contaminated wound and develop abnormal muscle symptoms, seek emergency medical care promptly. Tetanus is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium tetani, which primarily affect the nervous system.
Tetanus usually does not directly cause coughing, but in severe cases, if respiratory muscle spasms lead to breathing difficulties or are complicated by lung infection, coughing may occur indirectly. If you have a contaminated wound and develop abnormal muscle symptoms, seek emergency medical care promptly.
Tetanus is caused by toxins produced by *Clostridium tetani*. These toxins primarily attack the nervous system, leading to sustained muscle rigidity or episodic spasms. The core symptoms involve the muscular system, such as abnormal contractions of the jaw, neck, trunk, and limb muscles, and generally do not directly stimulate the respiratory tract to cause coughing.
As tetanus progresses, spasms of the respiratory muscles can disrupt normal breathing patterns and cause difficulty breathing, potentially leading to accumulation of respiratory secretions. If not properly managed, secondary lung infections may develop. These conditions can irritate the respiratory mucosa, thereby causing coughing indirectly, often accompanied by symptoms such as rapid breathing and fever.
In daily life, avoid wound contamination, clean and disinfect injuries promptly, maintain good ventilation in living environments, exercise regularly to boost immunity, eat a light and balanced diet, ensure adequate sleep, reduce the risk of infection, and strengthen the body's resistance against pathogens.
