· While many causes are benign, stomach pain exacerbated by breathing can sometimes signal more significant medical conditions. Pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura (the tissue lining the lungs and chest wall), causes sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with inhalation or coughing as the inflamed layers rub together. Stomach pain when breathing can result from injury, a hiatal hernia, pleurisy, acid reflux, and other causes.
Understanding the Context
It is often a sign of damage to the muscles or tissues in the chest cavity rather than the stomach. When a person breathes, the diaphragm tightens and relaxes as air moves in and out of the lungs. The diaphragm is a large, thin muscle at the bottom of the chest.Due to the position of the stomach just below the diaphragm, pain when breathing can feel as though it is in the stomach when it is actually coming from the diaphragm or other nearby chest muscles and tissues.In this article, we describe some of the possible causes of stomach pain when breathing. We also explain when to see a doctor.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comAs with any muscle, it is possible for a person to injure their diaphragm.
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Key Insights
Causes of diaphragm injuries can include:•heavy blows to the chest•injuries that penetrate the chest•severe coughing•surgeryIt can be difficult for doctors to diagnose diaphragm injuries because they often occur alongside other significant injuries to the abdomen and chest area. It is also possible that a person may not experience symptoms until weeks or even months after the injury occurred.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid leaks out of the stomach and flows back up into the esophagus, or food pipe.The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is a painful, burning sensation that occurs in the middle of the chest or abdomen. However, not everyone with GERD experiences heartburn.Other symptoms of GERD may include:•pain in the chest or upper abdomen•breathing difficulties•nausea or vomitingSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comA hiatal hernia, or hiatus hernia, occurs when the top of the stomach pushes through a weakened section of the diaphragm.Doctors do not fully understand what causes a hiatal hernia, but risk factors include:•being over the age of 50 years•being overweight or having obesity•smokingA hiatal hernia does not usually cause symptoms itself, but it can make it easier for stomach acid to flow up into the food pipe, which can lead to GERD.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comDuring pregnancy, a woman’s uterus expands, which can place pressure on the diaphragm. Hormonal changes, such as increased progesterone levels, might also lead to deeper breathing.These two changes may cause shortness of breath and pain or discomfort in the chest or abdomen in some women, particularly in the third trimester.A pregnant woman may be able to reduce pain and breathing difficulties by:•maintaining good posture•using pillows to prop up the upper body while sleeping•taking it easy and avoiding activities that trigger or worsen symptoms, such as strenuous exerciseSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comPleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, which is a thin membrane that folds back on itself to cover the lungs and line the inside of the chest cavity. This inflammation creates friction between the two layers of the membrane, which can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain when a person breathes deeply or coughs.Other symptoms of pleurisy can include:•shortness of breath•unintentional weight loss•coughing•fever and chillsSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comPain in the stomach area or abdomen that occurs while breathing may resolve without treatment.
Final Thoughts
However, people with severe, recurring, or ongoing abdominal pain or breathing difficulties should see a doctor.Anyone who experiences the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:•severe breathing difficulties•sharp, severe chest pain•dizziness•confusionSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comStomach pain when breathing is often due to a problem with the diaphragm or other muscles or tissues in the chest cavity rather than the stomach itself. Causes can include diaphragm injuries, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, GERD, and pleurisy.It is important to see a doctor for recurring, ongoing, or worsening pain when breathing. Seek immediate medical attention for severe chest pain or breathing difficulties.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comOct 19, 2025 · Experiencing pain in both yourstomach and lungs? Discover common causes like GERD, pneumonia, and anxiety, learn to distinguish symptoms, and know when to seek medical help for whyyourstomach and lungs hurt. · Chest and abdominal pain may be caused by something as simple as gas. But it also could be the sign of GERD, a peptic ulcer, or something very serious, such as heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
· A belly ache can be a sign of so many things -- some serious, some not-so-serious. Check out a few possibilities. This might cause pain. Common Conditions Why You Might Have Stomach Pain When Breathing Deeply With that out of the way, let’s look at the most common causes as to why you have abdominal pain when breathing deeply.