What causes left abdominal pain after bronchitis, and what should be done about it?

Left abdominal pain after bronchitis may be caused by muscle strain from coughing, cold abdomen, mesenteric lymphadenitis, enteritis, or referred pain from pleurisy. Symptoms can be improved through rest, keeping warm, avoiding cold exposure, and medication. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by diarrhea or fever, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Muscle strain from coughing: Bronchitis can cause frequent and severe coughing, repeatedly straining the muscles on the left side of the abdomen, leading to muscle fatigue and pain that worsens during coughing. It is recommended to reduce intense coughing, get adequate rest, apply a warm towel compress to the left abdomen, and avoid further muscle strain.

2. Cold abdomen: During bronchitis, the body is weakened, and insufficient warmth in the abdominal area may lead to cold stimulation, causing spasms in gastrointestinal smooth muscles and resulting in left-sided abdominal pain. It is advised to wear appropriate clothing to keep the abdomen warm, drink warm beverages, and avoid raw or cold foods.

3. Mesenteric lymphadenitis: Infections may trigger inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes. The inflammatory irritation in the left abdominal region can cause dull or intermittent pain, possibly accompanied by nausea. Patients may take medications such as cefaclor granules, ibuprofen suspension, or Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Enteritis: Immune function may decline during bronchitis, allowing bacterial or viral infections to affect the intestines, causing inflammation in the left part of the intestine and resulting in abdominal pain, possibly accompanied by diarrhea and bloating. It is recommended to take medications such as amoxicillin capsules, montmorillonite powder, or bifidobacterium triple viable capsule under a doctor's guidance to alleviate discomfort.

5. Referred pain from pleurisy: Bronchitis may lead to secondary pleural infection. Inflammation stimulating the pleura causes pain that radiates to the left abdomen, worsening during breathing or coughing. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications like cefixime dispersible tablets, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or ribavirin capsules to improve symptoms.

During recovery from bronchitis, it is important to rest adequately and avoid overexertion, maintain a light and easily digestible diet, consume more fruits and vegetables for nutritional support, keep the abdomen warm to prevent cold exposure, and drink sufficient fluids to moisturize the respiratory tract and reduce physical strain from coughing.