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Coughing is a natural reflex that helps the body get rid of mucus, bacteria, and other foreign substances. However, excessive coughing can lead to muscle spasms and other health issues. Coughing spasms can be a sign of an infectious, allergic, or inflammatory process and may indicate a serious or life-threatening disorder. In addition to muscle spasms, excessive coughing can cause lower back pain, muscle strain, and in severe cases, cracked ribs. It is important to seek medical advice if coughing persists, becomes recurrent, or causes concern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coughing spasms | Can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening disorder |
| Can be caused by whooping cough, allergies, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | |
| Can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the lungs or airways | |
| Can be caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | |
| Can be caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke | |
| Can be treated with bronchodilators | |
| Can be a symptom of bronchospasm | |
| Can be caused by acute bronchitis | |
| Can be caused by certain diseases of the nervous system | |
| Can be treated with NSAIDs or prescription medications | |
| Can cause lower back pain |
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What You'll Learn
Coughing spasms can be a sign of a serious disorder
Coughing spasms can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening disorder. It is important to seek prompt medical care if your cough is undiagnosed, persistent, recurrent, or causes you concern.
Coughing spasms are often a sign of an infectious, allergic, or inflammatory process. They can be caused by a variety of conditions, including whooping cough (pertussis), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and allergies. In some cases, coughing spasms can be a symptom of very serious and life-threatening conditions such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, and lung cancer.
If you are experiencing coughing spasms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the underlying cause. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, your doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment to help lower your risk of potential complications. For example, if your coughing spasms are caused by asthma, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce your risk and ease your symptoms.
In addition to seeking medical care, there are some self-care measures you can take to help manage your symptoms. These may include staying hydrated, getting rest, and using over-the-counter pain relievers or cough suppressants. However, it is important to note that cough suppressants are not recommended for children.
Furthermore, coughing can also cause or exacerbate other issues such as lower back pain. Intense or sudden coughing can put unexpected pressure on the back, leading to temporary injuries such as muscle strain or pulled muscles. If you are experiencing lower back pain due to coughing, you may find relief by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), applying ice packs, or engaging in low-impact exercises.
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Asthma, a common cause of coughing spasms
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that causes the airways to swell, narrow, and fill with mucus, making it difficult to breathe. It is characterised by chronic inflammation of the airways, which become reactive and easily irritated by allergens or other triggers. This irritation can lead to coughing spasms, as the body tries to remove the irritants from the lungs. While coughing is often associated with colds or bronchitis, a persistent cough may indicate asthma, especially when accompanied by a whistling or wheezing sound in the chest.
Coughing spasms in asthma can be triggered by various factors, including outdoor allergens like pollen, indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mould, as well as irritants like smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and strong scents. Exercise, stress, and cold air can also induce coughing spasms in individuals with asthma. These spasms can occur at any time, including after physical activity, exposure to specific triggers, laughing, or at night.
Cough-variant asthma is a form of asthma where the sole symptom is a chronic cough. Individuals with this type of asthma typically do not find relief from over-the-counter cough medicines and require prescription asthma medication, often in the form of inhalers.
Asthma is the most common cause of bronchospasm, a condition characterised by the tightening of the muscles lining the bronchi (airways in the lungs). This results in coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. Bronchospasms can be managed with bronchodilators, and it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
In summary, asthma is a prevalent respiratory condition that can lead to coughing spasms due to airway inflammation and irritation. These spasms can be managed through proper diagnosis and treatment, including prescription medications and inhalers. Recognising asthma as a potential cause of coughing spasms is crucial to ensure effective management and prevent potential complications.
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Coughing can cause lower back pain
There are several possible causes of lower back pain when coughing, including disk herniation, muscle strain, and spinal stenosis. Disk herniation occurs when the protective disks that cushion the spine and act as shock absorbers slip out of place or protrude. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and other symptoms. Muscle strain, or a "pulled muscle", is a stretch or tear of muscle fibres, which can be caused by overuse, injury, or sudden twisting. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
Coughing can also worsen existing lower back pain. This may be due to the position that people adopt when coughing, which can put stress on the lower back and displace the vertebrae or spinal bones, making the pain worse. In addition, the force of coughing can cause muscle spasms in the back, which can be painful and make it difficult to breathe.
There are several treatments available for lower back pain caused by coughing. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or applying a cloth-covered ice pack can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended if the symptoms are severe. It is important to see a doctor if coughing is persistent, recurrent, or causes concern, as it may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
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Bronchospasms and bronchial spasms
People with asthma, allergies, and lung conditions are more prone to developing bronchospasms. Additionally, young children and adults over 65 are at a higher risk. While bronchospasms can be frightening, they are typically managed with bronchodilators, and in some cases, steroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation and increase airflow.
Bronchospasms can be a symptom of several conditions, including asthma, emphysema, and lung infections. They can also occur during general anesthesia, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences bronchospasms has asthma, and vice versa.
In rare cases, medications used to treat bronchospasms, such as bronchodilators, can worsen the condition, leading to paradoxical bronchospasms. If this occurs, it is crucial to stop using the bronchodilator and seek alternative treatments.
To prevent bronchospasms, individuals with known triggers, such as allergens or irritants, should avoid exposure to these stimuli. For those prone to exercise-induced bronchospasms, taking long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids before working out can reduce the likelihood of an episode.
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Coughing spasms and dehydration
Coughing spasms are a continuous coughing bout lasting longer than five minutes. They can be a sign of an infectious, allergic, or inflammatory process. Whooping cough (pertussis), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common causes of coughing fits. Coughing spasms can be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition, such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, or lung cancer.
Dehydration is a condition where the body loses so much fluid that it cannot function normally. It can be caused by a reduced fluid intake, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Dehydration can cause muscle spasms, and severe dehydration can be fatal. Thirst is the body's natural response to dehydration, and it is important to drink fluids, preferably water, as soon as you feel thirsty. Mild dehydration can usually be treated by increasing fluid intake, but moderate to severe dehydration may require hospitalisation for IV fluids.
Coughing spasms can lead to dehydration, especially if they occur with diarrhoea or vomiting. They can also cause difficulty sleeping, fainting, fatigue, hypoxemia (low blood oxygen), hypoxia (insufficient oxygen in body tissues), muscle soreness, and even cracked ribs. In severe cases, coughing spasms can result in respiratory failure and respiratory arrest.
If coughing spasms are persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or bluish lips, it is important to seek prompt medical care. Coughing spasms due to dehydration can be prevented by ensuring adequate fluid intake and treating any underlying conditions causing diarrhoea or vomiting.
Overall, coughing spasms and dehydration are interconnected, with dehydration being both a cause and a consequence of coughing spasms. Proper hydration is crucial to prevent and manage dehydration-related coughing spasms, and medical attention should be sought if coughing spasms persist or are accompanied by concerning symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Coughing can cause muscle spasms in the back, which can lead to a temporary injury such as a pulled muscle. Coughing can also cause bronchial spasms, which occur when the bronchial tubes become inflamed and the muscles around them tighten.
Wheezing is one of the most common symptoms of a bronchial spasm. Other symptoms include tightness in the chest, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
If you are experiencing muscle spasms from coughing, you should gently stretch the muscle, get rest, and stay hydrated. If the spasms are severe or persist for a long time, you should seek medical attention.
