Can Anxiety Cause Coughing?

Anxiety is one of most of the most common mental health issues.
This is something that can show up in several physical signs and symptoms; some of them are unusual and less discussed.
Anxiousness will usually trigger sweating, shivering or a fast heartbeat for most individuals, though not everybody might realize coughing can be a concern as well.
Can anxiety create coughing? It can.
Below, we’ll discuss the connection between anxiety and cough, exactly how they may go hand in hand, and what you can actually do to manage these signs and symptoms.
If this is something you’re experiencing yourself or aiding a person close to you, you’ll find practical insights below—keep on reading.

How Does Anxiety Actually Affect the Body?

Anxiety isn’t something that creates just mental distress; it is something you can feel in your body, as well.
It causes various bodily signs and symptoms that you can really feel.
When you get anxious, your body responds by triggering the fight-or-flight response.
This action releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
This response prepares the body to handle perceived dangers but can likewise create some physical signs.
These signs can look something like:

• A racing heart.
• Sweaty palms.
• Shortness of breath.
• Muscle tension.

The problem is that anxiety-induced changes don’t stop here.
For others, anxiety could make them cough.
So, let’s dig deep to see why that can happen.

Can Anxiety Cause Coughing?

Anxiety does result in coughing.
Stress and anxiety can occasionally impact breathing and muscle systems, resulting in irritation to the throat, which can cause dry coughing.
Anxiety coughing is a term for coughing related to anxiousness.

Some Reasons Why Anxiety Causes Coughing 

1. Hyperventilation
   

   When breathing very fast, a person gets hyperventilated. The rapid breathing dries out your throat, and the dried-out lining then irritates it. That’s why one would begin coughing.

2. Chest and Throat Tension
   

   In anxiety, muscle tension is common, such as in the chest and throat. These feel tight like blocked airways—you will reflexively cough.

3. Increased Sensitivity to Bodily Sensations
   

   When anxious, you’re always aware of every feeling in your body. A very mildly irritated throat will feel like a nightmare; you will be coughing.

4. Dryness or Sensitivity
   

   This stress response dries or itches your throat, increasing your odds of coughing.

These physiological responses are why, for those who ask, “Can anxiety cause a cough?” – the answer is yes.

Anxiety Cough Symptoms to Look Out For

Anxiety doesn’t always cause a cough, yet how do you recognize if your coughing is brought on by anxiety? Below are some typical anxiety cough symptoms:

• Usually, the cough is dry, and it is not accompanied by mucous.
• It gets worse when it happens or after a stressful event.
• Neither does one show signs of infection, such as fever or chills.
• When you are calm or relaxed, the cough disappears.

And if these symptoms sound familiar, it could be anxiety.

Does Anxiety Make You Cough, or Could It Be Something Else?

Clearly, it is important to distinguish an anxiety cough from other possible causes. Chronic coughing can result from:

• Allergies.
• Acid reflux.
• Asthma.
• Smoking.
• Respiratory infections.

It’s best to see a medical professional initially to eliminate underlying conditions.

Some Ways You Can Manage an Anxiety-Related Cough

Good news—if your cough results from anxiety, then managing your anxiety will stop or get rid of that cough.
Below are practical steps to take:

1. Practice Deep Breathing

Taking some deep, slow breaths will aid you manage your breathing and remove your throat dryness.

A strategy to try is box breathing; here’s what you can do:

• Inhale for four seconds.
• Hold for four seconds.
• Exhale for four seconds.
• Do it all again.

2. Drink Water and Hydrate Yourself Well

Drink great deals of water. Keeping yourself well-hydrated will keep your throat moist and irritation-free.
Your throat can additionally be alleviated with relaxing teas like chamomile or honey.

3. Try Calming, Relaxation Methods

Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga are all mindfulness practices that bring your stress levels down and prevent anxiety episodes.
Include such things in your regular routine.

4. Try Therapy and Counseling

The root of anxiety also can be helped by seeking the help of a mental health professional.
Anxiety is treatable by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

5. Medication (If necessary)

There are some anxiety medications. These can be anti-anxiety medications and beta blockers.
A psychiatrist can prescribe these anxiety medications to some people.
Only when these people are dealing with some severe signs and symptoms of anxiety.
If you have not been to a doctor in a very long time, then it is always a great idea to be checked.

When to Find Medical Support 

So, if your coughing doesn’t go away after having had your anxiety, see the doctor.
You may also be having some kind of disease like asthma, GERD, or respiratory infection that should be attended to.

Next Steps

Symptoms of anxiousness can cause coughing, which can affect your physical health.
So, if this is seriously troubling you and you’re struggling with anxiety-related coughing or any other signs, there’s something you can do to get help promptly.
At Envision Psychiatry, we care about helping people manage anxiety through personalized care and evidence-based treatment.
Call us today to book a consultation.
The team at Envision Psychiatry is here to assist you if you need to discuss, get treatment, or seek therapy or medication.

FAQs

Can anxiety cause sinus problems?
Sinus issues aren’t caused by anxiety on their own, but anxiety can make them much worse.
Stress impairs the immune system, plus stress makes your nose more sensitive to sinus pressure and pain.

Can anxiety cause a sore throat?
Indeed, in a way. Anxiety can cause a throat that gets sore or irritated.
Plus, muscle tension in the neck and throat can also play a part.