Why do I feel like throwing up when I cough?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Coughing that makes you feel like throwing up often happens when forceful coughing activates your gag reflex, puts pressure on your stomach, or triggers a shared nerve pathway (the vagus nerve) that connects your airways and digestive system. Common causes include post-nasal drip, acid reflux (GERD), asthma, respiratory infections, or whooping cough. Persistent mucus, stomach irritation, or airway inflammation can all intensify this reaction.

Because nausea with coughing can point to several different underlying conditions, identifying the root cause is the fastest way to find relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why coughing causes vomiting Learn if coughing up vomit is serious Find likely causes of coughing vomiting See OTC relief for coughing and vomiting Find a doctor for cough and vomiting Discover home remedies for coughing relief Understand if vomiting after cough needs care

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Explanation

When you cough, it can sometimes make you feel like throwing up. This might be because of how your body reacts to certain things. There are special parts in your body, like TRPA1 and TRPV1, that can get activated. These parts can cause reactions in your airways and stomach.

How It Works:

TRPA1 and TRPV1: These are parts of your body that can react to things like strong smells or spicy foods. When they get activated, they can cause coughing and sometimes make your stomach feel upset.
Body's Reaction: Your body might react to coughing by making your stomach feel like it wants to throw up. This is because the same parts that make you cough can also affect your stomach.

What Can Help:

Avoid Triggers: Try to stay away from things that make you cough a lot, like smoke or strong perfumes.
Stay Calm: If you feel like throwing up, try to breathe slowly and relax. This can help calm your body down.

Remember, if you have more questions or concerns about your symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker or talk to a healthcare provider.

(References)

Almeida JFM, & Chehter EZ. (2020). COVID-19 and the gastrointestinal tract: what do we .... Einstein (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 33206816.
Mancini I, Lossignol D, Obiols M, Llop R, Toth C, & Body JJ. (2002). experience at the Institut Jules Bordet. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 11777185.
Bousquet J, Czarlewski W, Zuberbier T, Mullol J, Blain H, Cristol JP, et al. (2021). Potential Interplay between Nrf2, TRPA1, and TRPV1 in .... International archives of allergy and immunology, 33567446.

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