Can coughing be related to ankylosing spondylitis?
Yes, coughing can be connected to AS in several ways. While not a primary symptom, coughing may occur due to complications that affect your chest and breathing.
Chest Wall Involvement
AS can affect the ribs and chest bones, causing the rib cage to stiffen. This makes it Show Full Answer
Can coughing be related to ankylosing spondylitis?
Yes, coughing can be connected to AS in several ways. While not a primary symptom, coughing may occur due to complications that affect your chest and breathing.
Chest Wall Involvement
AS can affect the ribs and chest bones, causing the rib cage to stiffen. This makes it harder for your chest to expand properly when breathing, which can trigger coughing. Many people with AS experience costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage), leading to chest pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing.
Lung-Related Issues
Some people with AS develop lung complications or infections like pneumonia or the flu, which can cause chest pain with coughing. The inflammation from AS may also contribute to pulmonary issues in some cases.
Asthma Connection
People with AS have a higher risk of developing asthma, which commonly causes coughing. Research shows the incidence of asthma is 1.74 times higher in people with AS compared to the general population. A MySpondylitisTeam member shared: "My asthma, axSpA, and PsA are flaring up."
When to Seek Help
If you're experiencing persistent coughing, especially with chest pain or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor promptly. These symptoms warrant medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
March 21
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