Does sneezing give you a strange popping sensation in your abdomen? Sometimes, it comes and goes away in a snap. Other times it comes with accompanying symptoms.
You may experience sharp-stabbing pain, pressure, or just a little bit of discomfort. Others may notice a deep pain following it, while it is just superficial for others. Is it something that you should worry about? What causes it in the first place? Let’s rule out some common reasons in this post.
Many reasons cause the popping sensation in the lower abdomen. It includes gas, strain, or in some cases, a hernia. Moms who underwent C-section are prone to experiencing it near the incision. The medication and remedy vary depending on the symptoms that come along with it.
Causes of the popping sensation in the abdomen
If you experience the popping sensation that comes with recurring pain, it is best to visit your doctor. You will need to note your symptoms, like the duration of pain, intensity, and the exact part in your abdomen.
You’ll also need to share your medical histories, such as a C-section or other surgeries.
The popping sensation that happens occasionally is not something that you should worry about. Here are some of the possible causes and what you can do about them.
Abdominal muscle strain
The sudden and forceful burst of air during sneezing can cause a muscle strain.
Overexerting your muscles can put pressure on them and result in a tearing feeling. It commonly affects the lower back portion of the body and sometimes the lower abdomen.
The spasm and pain will go away on their own. Mild stretching will help you ease the pain and muscle tension to prevent it from happening again.
Gas and acid reflux
Gas bubbles that pool up in the gut can cause the pop when you sneeze sometimes. It is triggered when you assume a certain position while sneezing, but it does not come with pain or discomfort.
If you feel bloated and gassy, it is normal to expect some popping while expelling air.
Likewise, acid reflux or GERD may also exhibit a similar feeling. Dealing with the reflux itself will eliminate the cracking that you feel in your gut every time you sneeze.
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue protrudes from the weak part of the abdominal wall. The hernia is not painful.
What is painful is when you strain yourself from coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. The dragging sensation that you feel comes with a cracking feeling every time you exert a strong effort.
Being mindful and supporting yourself while doing a strenuous activity is a helpful step. However, only surgery can correct an inguinal hernia as it does not resolve on its own or by oral medications.
Result of c-section and surgeries
Why does the abdominal wall weaken and lead to an inguinal hernia? Apart from other congenital causes, surgery can also cause the weakening of the abdominal wall later in life.
That’s why if you undergo C-section, you will likely experience a popping sensation in the incision site.
If it comes with sharp, stabbing, and deep pain, it is best to consult your doctor.
Takeaway
There are a lot of reasons why you feel the popping feeling in your stomach every time you sneeze. Pregnant women may also feel it, often accompanied by fetal movement.
Unless the pain is recurring and sharp, there is no reason to worry about it. And if you doubt that it points to something else, do not hesitate to talk it out with your doctor.
