Suggest Treatment For Persistent Pain In The Rib Cage And Cough

Posted on Tue, 14 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 Answered on

Tue, 7 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : in th e evening i have chills , i cant warm up then about 4am im hot . i have not a normal cough ,I have maybe 5inhale before i can cough but no flemm also the middle of my back above my belt sever pain keeps me a wake . i cough three to four times an hour, no vomitng no headache went to a pa she said i pulled a muscle in my back. im 62 i was a linemen for the phone company i know about pulled muscle when i cough both side of my rib cage hurts its started satnight

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HealthcareMagic.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.
Coughing can cause exertion of rib and back muscles. Violent coughing can cause muscular strain and this causes pain.
So we need to supress your cough first.
So take antihistamine (levocetrizine or fexofenadine).
Also take painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs.
Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. Applying warm water pad on affected areas.
You will mostly improve with all these in 4-5 days. If not improving then consult doctor and get done chest x ray.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy