Why does my chest and back hurt when i cough

5. Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is unusual fluid in the space between your lungs and ribs.

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain

Treatment: Your doctor will drain the fluid with a needle placed in your chest or with medications to help you urinate out the fluid. In severe cases, there may be a tube placed in your chest to relieve the fluid.

6. Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a clot in a blood vessel in the lung. They typically originate in the legs, though they can come from anywhere in the body. This is a medical emergency.

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in leg

Rarely, some people will experience dizziness or pass out, as well as coughing up blood.

Treatment: Typically, blood thinners are used to help break down the clot and increase blood flow. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

7. Pneumothorax

A collapsed lung, also called a pneumothorax, occurs when air enters the area between the lung and the chest wall, known as the pleural space. This can be life-threatening and is a medical emergency.

Symptoms

• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Pain on one side of the chest

Treatment: At the hospital, a tube is inserted into your chest wall to release the air. This allows the lungs to reinflate. Additional monitoring is typically necessary.

8. Hemothorax

A hemothorax is a pooling of blood between the lung and chest wall. It is often caused by chest trauma, but can also occur in those with blood clotting disorders, lung cancer, or tuberculosis. You should seek treatment immediately.

Symptoms:

• Injury/trauma to your ribcage
• Typically, pain is on one side of the chest

Treatment: Usually a tube is inserted into the chest to drain the blood, and additional monitoring follows.

9. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage

A diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is when there is bleeding into the lungs.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• General malaise
• Cough with blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain with deep breathing or cough

Treatment: Varied, consult with your doctor. It can be life-threatening, so get treatment fast.

10. Lung nodules

Also called a pulmonary nodule, a lung nodule is a small abnormal growth in the lung. There are many causes of nodules in the lungs, including lung cancer. Consult with your doctor to figure out the cause and treatment of your nodule.

Symptoms:

• Varied

Since nodules are often found during CT screenings, it can be hard to identify specific symptoms. Typically they are found when there is chest discomfort that prompts a CT scan.

Treatment: Treatment is varied depending on the cause and type of nodule. Work with your doctor to determine a treatment plan.

11. Heart failure

Heart failure is an umbrella term, including congestive heart failure and mitral valve disease.

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing, especially with activity
• Swelling in legs or abdomen

Treatment: Medications that make you urinate to get rid of excess fluid. In severe cases, medications to control blood pressure are prescribed. Your doctor will help you decide on what treatment is appropriate for you.

12. Pericarditis

Pericarditis is a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around the heart is inflamed. This sac is called the pericardium.

Symptoms

• Sharp chest pain
• Chest pain is worsened by deep breathing or coughing
• Chest pain improves with leaning forward
• Fever

Treatment: Varied depending on the underlying cause. Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and sometimes steroids. Hospitalization can be necessary in severe cases.

13. GERD (acid reflux)

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), also known as acid reflux or heartburn, is when stomach acid flows upwards into the esophagus.

Symptoms

• Coughing after a meal
• Coughing after waking up in the morning
• Burning sensation in the middle of your chest

Treatment: Anti-acid medications such as a proton pump inhibitor or histamine H2 receptor antagonist may be prescribed. Many medications are available over-the-counter.

14. Esophageal perforation

An esophageal perforation is a hole in the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube food passes through as it goes from the mouth to the stomach.

Symptoms:

• Chest pain after severe episodes of coughing or vomiting

Treatment: This is a very severe condition. Call 911 if you suspect you have an esophageal perforation.

Is it normal for your chest and back to hurt when coughing?

What does it mean if your back hurts when you cough?

What does it mean when you cough and your chest starts to hurt?

What causes chest pain and back pain at the same time?