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Can Anxiety cause coughing? New here.

Weeny
Community Member
So I had a work breakdown about 3 months ago, and had a lot of issues since, and have finally got to the point I have about 50/50 ok days and bad days, instead of nearly everyday that I was having. But I get this cough that comes and goes, not really bad, but just persistent and annoying, so was wondering if stress/anxiety can cause coughing.
9 Replies 9

blondguy
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi Weeny

Welcome and thankyou for posting too!

The coughing may just be dry throat. I have been having an annoying and persistent cough for a while too

Ive had bad anxiety and then depression for years....its very rare that anxiety can cause coughing though

here for you Weeny if you need us

Paul

wantalife
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hey Weeny

Pretty much like Paul (Great Guy to talk to by the way) copped a fair wack of anxiety when younger, haven't come across it myself used tap my foot mainly, physical body reaction in any form when anxious is not uncommon, as a diversion of thought-some Tap, Kick, Rub a sore stomach that's seems sore but not, cough? highly possible. Perhaps have a think about when it comes on most?

Hope it gets sorted, would be pretty annoying.

Take Care

Nick

BballJ
Community Member

Hi Weeny,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Sorry to hear about the breakdown you had at work, but seems like you are making progress with having some good days and some bad days which is common for most of us on here.

Like Paul said, It seems rare anxiety/stress would cause a cough however I know my anxiety has caused me issue's before... I used to get quite dizzy for no reason and I later worked out it was my anxiety mixed with dehydration... and prior to that I used to have major health anxiety, worried I'd have a heart attack and literally got so much anxiety I got chest pain. The couching may not be directly caused by anxiety/stress but maybe it's hanging around because you are thinking about it and fixed on it and wondering subliminally why it isn't going away when it should be, so in the instance I can see how anxiety would play a part. Just my thought, not a medical opinion or anything but if it is really concerning you, I would go and see the doctor, may just be something as simple as dry throat as Paul said.

My best for you,

Jay

pipsy
Community Member

Hi Weeny. I'm inclined to agree with Jay and Paul in regards to anxiety causing severe coughing spells. If you are taking medication for b.p, it's possible that is a side effect. Often b.p medication or other medication causes unwelcome side effects. Perhaps a visit to your Dr would be helpful. Panic attacks often result in heart palpitations or sweating profusely, breathing difficulties, but coughing is sometimes attributed to weather, time of year etc.

Lynda

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Weeny,

Short answer is - yes, it can.

One reason could be that if you are hyperventilating people can cough as it feels like the throat is closing up. For others, it may be the feeling that coughing helps people feel like they are clearing their lungs even if there is no physical need to do so.

Another reason could be that if you are chronically stressed, this in turn puts a toll on your health and immune system, which can make you prone to persistent coughs.

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Weeny

By the way I forgot to attach this link that might help you understand it better -

http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/stopping-cough

Missy72
Community Member

Hi

I’m not sure that anxiety ‘causes’ a cough... but I’ve certainly had a dry cough since my anxiety came back..

I also have a tightness in my throat which I think exacerbates the cough. I also think the heaviness in my chest exacerbates the cough.

Guest_4643
Community Member

Hi Weeny, I'm sorry to hear that. Welcome to the forums also, good on you for joining.

Well physical (and internal symptoms) are different yet similar for everyone with anxiety. I would say that coughing can be a symptom, because it is for me, since I get tickles in my throat because of a dry mouth and whatnot, so it could be a possibility. Have you told a professional or asked them if you don't mind me asking?

Take care, I hope you feel better. Best wishes.

Tayla

sheebah28
Community Member

I know this is an old post, but coughing due anxiety is actually fairly common, i have the same problem with coughing due to severe anxiety, i have seen posts from other people on another forum that also have the coughing due to stress and anxiety, i don't want to offend anyone, but to say its rare is not quite true..