What causes back pain when coughing?

Cough accompanied by back pain may be caused by muscle strain from severe coughing, improper posture increasing strain, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, and other conditions. Symptoms can be improved through cough relief, posture adjustment, and medication. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by shortness of breath or hemoptysis (coughing up blood), prompt medical attention is required.

1. Muscle strain from severe coughing: Frequent and intense coughing causes continuous contraction and pulling of back muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and pain, which intensifies during coughing. It is recommended to reduce severe coughing episodes. Pressing gently on the back with your hand while coughing may help relieve muscle strain. Cough suppressants may be used when necessary to reduce muscular load.

2. Increased strain due to improper posture: Maintaining poor postures such as bending forward or lying sideways for prolonged periods during coughing can lead to uneven stress on back muscles, worsening pain and discomfort. It is advised to maintain upright sitting and standing postures, and adopt comfortable positions when coughing to avoid excessive tension in the back muscles.

3. Acute bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to frequent coughing. The cough pulls on the pleura and surrounding back tissues, causing pain, often accompanied by phlegm and sore throat. Patients may take medications such as ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or dextromethorphan sustained-release suspension under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Pneumonia: Lung infection causes inflammation that may spread near the pleura. Coughing stimulates the pleura, resulting in radiating back pain, along with fever and phlegm production. It is recommended to use medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, levofloxacin capsules, or acetylcysteine effervescent tablets under a doctor's supervision to relieve symptoms.

5. Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura caused by infection or irritation leads to congestion and swelling. During coughing, friction between inflamed pleural layers causes back pain, which worsens with breathing and coughing. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications like cefixime dispersible tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or ribavirin granules to improve symptoms.

Maintain good indoor ventilation, avoid irritants such as dust and smoke, eat a light diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water to soothe the throat, maintain regular sleep patterns to prevent fatigue, and engage in mild physical activities appropriately to strengthen the body and reduce coughing episodes.