Abdominal pain while coughing? Here’s what it could be

Published on 14 July 2025

What is abdominal pain?

There are three types of abdominal pain:

Visceral pain

• Originates from the internal organs (viscera) such as the stomach, intestines, or bladder
• May be associated with symptoms like nausea or bloating
• Often described as dull, aching, or cramping
• You might not be able to pinpoint where the pain is
• Common causes: gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or organ distension

Parietal pain

• Arises from the parietal peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity
• Typically sharp, intense, and you can pinpoint where the pain is
• Often worsens with movement or pressure
• Common causes: peritonitis, appendicitis, or injury to the abdominal wall

Referred pain

• Felt in a different location from the source of the problem
• Occurs because nerves from different areas of the body converge on the same spinal cord segments
• Example: pain from a gallbladder issue may be felt in the right shoulder or back

Coughing can be associated with all three different types of abdominal pain depending on the underlying cause.

What causes abdominal pain when coughing?

Coughing increases pressure in your abdomen. When coughing is repetitive or forceful, it can strain the abdominal muscles, leading to tenderness or sharp pain - especially during continued bouts of coughing.

This is a common and often self-limiting cause of abdominal pain, typically resolving with rest, heat, or over-the-counter pain relief.

However, coughing can also aggravate existing conditions - some of which you may not even be aware of - that become symptomatic under this added pressure and present as abdominal pain.

Let’s explore the possible causes of abdominal pain while coughing, and how to recognise when it might be time to seek medical attention.

Gynaecological conditions

Cystitis

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection, usually caused by a bacterial infection entering the bladder through the urethra. Lower abdominal pain is a common symptom of cystitis, along with a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate, a need to pee more often and pee that’s dark, cloudy or smelly.

Recurring, or interstitial cystitis (also known as bladder pain syndrome), can also cause pelvic pain which gets worse with activity.

Minor cases of bacterial cystitis may resolve in a matter of days, and drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease symptoms throughout this period.

More severe cases may require treatment with antibiotics, so if your symptoms get worse or linger for more than three days, consult a GP.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in your ovaries. In most cases, your body deals with them as part of your menstrual cycle. However, some women have large ovarian cysts which cause symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, a sharp pain on the side of your stomach and abdominal bloating.

Ovarian cysts can also rupture, causing severe stomach pain as well as heavy bleeding, vomiting, fever and dizziness. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your GP immediately.

Endometriosis

According to Endometriosis UK, about one in ten women of child-bearing age lives with endometriosis.

The physical symptoms of endometriosis include pain in the lower back, pelvis and lower abdomen, irregular painful or heavy periods, pain during or after sex, fertility issues, pain or bleeding when you urinate and fatigue, tiredness and – in some cases – depression.

While rarely warranting urgent care, endometriosis often requires a tailored treatment plan. See your GP if pelvic pain interferes with daily life or you suspect endometriosis.

Weak pelvic muscles

Lower abdominal pain and urinary incontinence are common symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. You may experience abdominal pain associated with weak pelvic muscles while coughing, sneezing, laughing or during exercise.

Mild symptoms may improve with pelvic floor exercises. But you should contact your GP if pain persists or affects your quality of life — particularly post-childbirth or during menopause.

Urology conditions

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones can cause severe abdominal pain and may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage.

They can be worsened by movement or pressure, such as coughing.

Other symptoms may include:

• Back pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in urine
• Frequent or painful urination

Small stones may pass on their own in a few days to weeks, often managed with fluids and pain relief. See a GP or visit A&E if the pain is unbearable, persistent, or accompanied by fever or chills.

Abdominal conditions

Trapped wind

Also known as gas or flatulence, trapped wind is a common condition caused by the gas produced by bacteria in your colon as you break down residue from your small intestine.

Trapped wind can also be caused by swallowing air when you eat or drink. Trapped wind can usually be treated by making changes to your diet, exercising or taking over the counter medicines.

Diverticular disease

Diverticula are small pouches that stick out from the bowel wall. You may have one or two diverticula, or many. When they push out from weak parts of your colon, they can cause abdominal pain, this is known as diverticular disease.

Mild cases often resolve with rest and dietary adjustments in a few days, but if symptoms persist or worsen, consult your GP.

Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. They often have no symptoms but if a gallstone becomes trapped in a gallbladder duct (an opening in your gallbladder) it can cause a sudden pain in your abdomen.

Treatment, such as gallbladder removal (also known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy), is only usually recommended if you experience ongoing pain in your abdomen, or if you develop a complication such as jaundice or pancreatitis.

Watch LBC Broadcaster, Iain Dale, talk about his gallbladder removal at Benenden Hospital.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of your body pushes through a tear in a muscle or tissue wall, usually in the abdomen or groin.

Hernias may not cause any symptoms, but often you’ll notice a lump in your groin which comes and goes as you strain, a sudden onset of abdominal pain, difficulty passing wind or having a poo and, in some cases, vomiting.

In some cases, a section of the bowel may become lodged in the tear, limiting blood supply to the area — known as intestinal ischemia. This is considered a medical emergency, as, if untreated, ischemia can become more severe, potentially resulting in the deterioration and death of the affected tissue.

Hear how Terry King’s inguinal hernia repair surgery at Benenden Hospital helped him return to his active lifestyle.

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include sudden and severe pain in your abdomen, nausea and a fever (temperature over 38 degree Celsius). If you experience severe pain in the abdomen, see a GP immediately or call NHS 111.

When should I seek help for abdominal pain?

If you experience any of the following symptoms with stomach pain, it is important to see a doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious:

• Pain is severe and lasts more than an hour or comes and goes for more than 24 hours
• Pain starts suddenly
• Bloody bowel movements
• Black, tarry stool
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Inability to eat or drink for several hours
• Fever greater than 39°c (102°f)
• Weight loss without trying
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling a lump in the abdomen

Help and support for abdominal pain at Benenden Hospital

We offer diagnosis and treatment for conditions which cause abdominal pain. To find out more, or book an appointment, please complete our online form or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.