
Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In Ribs After Coughing Episode

Question: I currently have a sinus infection which causes me to cough... I was just outside about 20 minutes ago when I coughed which led to a sudden, sharp and severe pain in my left lower side (between my rib cage base and my hip) it has subsided but comes back immediately when I cough or try to blow my nose... it is localized in the same area... I think I may have torn a muscle but am not sure...
Brief Answer:
could be...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it could be due to the forceful expiratory movement of coughing (a sore muscle) but it could also be caused by a mild pneumothorax. Although spontaneous pneumothorax does not usually occur after coughing, it could be the cause of your pain. Clinical examination by your doctor and a chest X-ray are sufficient to confirm or exclude it. You'd better ask your doctor to check your chest, particularly if you feel shortness of breath or pain during respiratory movements.
Kind Regards!
could be...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it could be due to the forceful expiratory movement of coughing (a sore muscle) but it could also be caused by a mild pneumothorax. Although spontaneous pneumothorax does not usually occur after coughing, it could be the cause of your pain. Clinical examination by your doctor and a chest X-ray are sufficient to confirm or exclude it. You'd better ask your doctor to check your chest, particularly if you feel shortness of breath or pain during respiratory movements.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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