Sneezing is the body's process for removing irritants from the nose or the throat, similar to coughing. Some people may experience chest pain when they sneeze. While certain causes of pain are not necessarily harmful, there are also diseases that indicate severe medical problems.
Causes of chest pain when sneezing
Muscle tension, disease, or injury to the chest wall are all potential causes of chest pain during sneezing. The muscles and breastbone may contract, causing chest pain to get worse when you cough or sneeze.
When you sneeze, you may experience chest pain in a single location or in an extensive chest region that extends from the neck to the stomach. The sensation of chest pain is also subject to variation; it may manifest as an acute or stabbing pain, a dull pain, a burning pain, or a sensation of squeezing, tightness, or pressure.
Mild conditions, such as muscle pain, or more severe conditions, such as tumors or lung infections, can induce chest pain during sneezing. The following is an explanation of the causes of chest pain during sneezing:
Muscle tension
Coughing may occasionally accompany sneezing, which is a symptom of influenza. The intercostal muscles in the ribcage may become tense as a result of excessive coughing or sneezing. Tight or pulled muscles can be the cause of up to 49% of chest pain. Typically, this condition is not severe and will get better on its own.
In addition to tense muscles, chest pain during sneezing may be the result of a history of accidents or injuries. Muscle damage can occasionally result from an injury, causing chest pain when lifting or twisting the upper body.
Asthma
In certain people, allergies can induce asthma. Symptoms of blocked noses, wheezing, and sinus inflammation are the result of allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Chest pain may also result from allergic asthma when sneezing. Additional symptoms that may manifest include fatigue, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
To relieve the symptoms of allergic asthma, doctors may prescribe medication. You should avoid allergens such as pollen, animal fur, and dust as a preventative step.
Read more: Often Coughs In The Morning, Maybe This Is The Cause
Pleurisy
Inflammation or inflammation of the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lung, results in pleurisy. In severe cases, the accumulation of fluid between these layers can cause an infection.
Fungal infections, bacterial pneumonia, a history of chest wounds or injuries, blood clots in the chest area, sickle cell anemia, cancer, and chronic conditions such as lupus are among several possible causes of pleurisy.
Pleurisy may induce acute chest pain that gets worse during coughing, sneezing, or respiration. Other symptoms of pleurisy include cough, fever, back or shoulder pain, and shortness of breath.
Lung infections
Chest pain and sneezing may indicate the presence of a lung infection. Respiratory tract infections may also influence the lungs. The infection can worsen and disrupt the healing process if not treated appropriately.
If you experience a dry or wet cough, chest pain, yellow or green mucus or sputum, and fever in addition to sneezing, you may have a lung infection.
Read more: Often Sneering After Eating? Apart From Allergies, Maybe This Is The Cause
Tumor
A tumor can also induce chest pain during sneezing, although this condition is exceedingly uncommon. Chest pain may result from the presence of tumors on the chest wall or in nearby areas of the lungs or heart. Sneezing and yawning can exacerbate chest pain. Coughing, breathing difficulties, and the presence of fluid in the lungs are additional symptoms.
Teratomas, or chest tumors, may be benign or malignant. It is important that you immediately consult with a doctor in order to receive more suitable treatment.
Sneezing can induce chest pain for a number of different reasons, ranging from relatively mild diseases like muscle-related issues to more serious conditions like lung infections or other diseases. If you experience persistent chest pain while sneezing, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
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NI Direct. Chest pain. Available from: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/chest-pain#
Mayo Clinic. Pleurisy. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pleurisy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351863