When you sneeze, your body is reacting to a foreign invader, such as a virus or an irritant. When your body reacts to a sneeze, it causes a sudden increase in air pressure in your chest. This sudden increase in air pressure can cause chest pain.
What Are the Causes of Chest Pain When I Sneeze?
There are several potential causes of chest pain when you sneeze. The most common cause is due to the sudden increase in air pressure in your chest. This sudden increase in air pressure can cause the muscles in your chest to contract and pull on your ribs, causing chest pain. Other potential causes of chest pain when you sneeze include:
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction can cause chest pain when you sneeze. Allergens, such as pollen and dust, can irritate your airways and cause them to swell, leading to chest pain.
Asthma
Asthma is a common cause of chest pain when you sneeze. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing and chest pain.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition that causes acid reflux, which can cause chest pain when you sneeze. This is because the increase in air pressure in your chest can push the acid up from your stomach, causing chest pain.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders, such as costochondritis and intercostal muscle strain, can cause chest pain when you sneeze. These conditions cause inflammation and irritation of the muscles and tissues in your chest, leading to chest pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Chest Pain When I Sneeze?
The symptoms of chest pain when you sneeze vary depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:
Sharp Chest Pain
The most common symptom of chest pain when you sneeze is a sharp pain in your chest. This pain can last for a few seconds or a few minutes.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can occur with chest pain when you sneeze. This is because the increased air pressure in your chest can make it difficult to take a full breath.
Pain When Taking a Deep Breath
Pain when taking a deep breath can occur with chest pain when you sneeze. This is because the increased air pressure in your chest can cause your chest muscles to contract, leading to pain when taking a deep breath.
How Is Chest Pain When I Sneeze Treated?
The treatment for chest pain when you sneeze depends on the underlying cause. The most common treatments include:
Allergy Medication
If your chest pain is due to an allergic reaction, then allergy medications, such as antihistamines, can be used to reduce the swelling of your airways and reduce the chest pain.
Inhalers
Inhalers can be used to treat chest pain due to asthma. Inhalers help open up the airways and make it easier to breathe, relieving chest pain.
Acid Reflux Medication
If your chest pain is due to GERD, then acid reflux medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, can be used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, relieving chest pain.
Pain Medication
Pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be used to relieve chest pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders.