Chest pain accompanied by burning and coughing can be caused due to a number of ailments, both, curable and chronic. It therefore becomes important that one understands the causes of the same in hopes of preventing and treating the condition.
Chest burning accompanied by coughing bouts can be an indication of a serious ailment and therefore, dismissing it is neither wise nor advised. The lungs are located in the chest region and are one of the most important organs of the body. The lungs are responsible for providing oxygen to the body, which is done by inhaling air and converting it into oxygen. This is then passed on into the bloodstream. They are also responsible for expelling the impure carbon dioxide from the body. Thus, any ailment that afflicts the lungs needs to be given due attention because it directly affects our breathing and therefore our health. There are a number of ailments that can lead to coughing and burning in the chest region. Let us review these and provide you with the solutions of the same.
Causes and Treatment
There are several reasons that could lead to a burning chest and cough. If you are experiencing burning chest pain, then it could be because of one of these conditions and you need to get it checked by a doctor.
» » Costochondritis
This is a lung disease that causes a lot of burning in the chest and is brought on by the inflammation of the cartilage and bones in the chest wall. When the sternum (the point joining the rib bones and the breast bones) becomes inflamed and irritated, it can cause a lot of pain and can be accompanied by varied degrees of cough. Costochondritis could be brought on by a fungal or bacterial infection and can lead to a severe cough with a burning chest to follow. Other than that, a trauma incident wherein there is an injury suffered that affects the sternum can also lead to an inflammation of the chest, chest congestion and cause bouts of cough and burning sensations in the chest region.
Solution
Application of heat, plenty of rest and certain anti-inflammatory medication forms are seen to work best. But if this does not do the trick then a visit to the doctor is mandatory.
» » Bronchitis
One of the most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis is that it produces a lot of phlegm and mucus with the cough. There are severe bouts of cough that are very, very painful and cause a burning sensation in the chest. Bronchitis is caused when there is an inflammation in the airways of the lungs (from where the air passes) which leads to the formation of mucus (thick or otherwise), shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and blocking of the airway. When that happens, there is burning in the chest along with coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest as well. There may also be chest congestion and cough. Bronchitis is mainly caused by smoking and the constant exposure to other harmful substances like dust, chemicals and gases that lead to irritation in the lungs and lead to the development of bronchitis.
Solution
To get this into control, stop smoking if you’re into the habit and try to protect yourself from the exposure to these harmful substances. Other than that, medication forms like bronchodilators and other forms of pills or steroids may be prescribed to cure the burning chest pain.
» » Asthma
Asthma is caused when the airway in the lungs through which the air passes, become constricted and narrow. This makes it difficult for the air to pass through and therefore leads to a strain in the chest region. This can be followed by severe bouts of cough (with phlegm), the feeling of breathlessness, and tightening of the chest muscles. There is then inflammation caused and an obvious breathing problem. Asthma is caused by air pollution, smoke, allergies to certain substances in the air and stress. Though asthma is a serious disease, it can be treated effectively, provided it is diagnosed on time.
Solution
Treatment includes avoiding the triggering factors that lead to asthma, along with several forms of medication like inhalers and modifiers. It is a must to visit your doctor and get proper medical attention as soon as possible.
» » Acid Reflux
When we ingest food, it passes from the throat, through a tube called the esophagus and into the stomach where it is digested. Before it enters the stomach though, it has to pass through a small opening between the stomach and the esophagus. This gap closes as soon as the food passes into the stomach. If this gap doesn’t close fast enough, the acids from the stomach can travel back into the esophagus and cause acid reflux. Along with leading to bloating and burning in the stomach and chest, it can also lead to coughing with acrid belching.
Solution
Avoid overeating, maintain a proper schedule for eating, avoid eating spicy and oily foods and quit smoking. All these will help prevent acid reflux. For instant relief though, use antacids.
» » Other Conditions
Here are some other conditions that cause cough and chest pain along with chest burning.
- Tuberculosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD)
- Pneumonia
Whenever you experience chest burning with cough, it should never be taken lightly. As this article has illustrated, it could be an indication of some underlying condition, ignoring of which might lead to serious health effects.
