Concerns

[KAVAUGHN]

I have just started coughing and my back is hurting around my spine.  I don"t know whats wrong

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder.

Your symptoms are suggestive of a viral infection. The cough itself or the virus may have inflamed the nerves of the back causing the pain.Excessive coughing can irritate the nerves thus casing pain.  However, an infection of the lining of the lung can also cause severe pain.Are you having dry cough or is it associated with mucus or phlegm?Is your cough associated with any other symptoms?

Most common causes of cough with back pain are viral infections,asthma, lung infections such as  pneumonia or acute bronchitis,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis),lung disease such as bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or tumors,gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),cigarette smoking,exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollutants and use of ACE inhibitors (medications used to control blood pressure).

I feel that a clinical examination consisting of auscultation of the chest and if need arises,an X-ray chest will be helpful in diagnosis.Pls consult a respiratory physician for that.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.