Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Popping Noise In The Chest While Coughing?
Question: I have been dealing with bronchitis since 10/22. I coughed earlier and I heard a crack. I think I broke my rib
Brief Answer:
It is less likely however costochondral pain is one possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems very less likely to break a rib while coughing however muscle sprains or costochondral pains due to repeated coughing is one possibility. But you need to get a chest Xray to rule out any small pneumothorax due to the click you had mentioned. Also may need to rule out any signs of infection inside lung tissue like consolidation so that can also cause localised pleuritic pains. It may also need to have basic blood screens like complete blood picture and ESR and if possible sputum cultures and sensitivity.
Meanwhile Tramadol and local analgesics can be used for pain. But antibiotics usage seems almost unavoidable so after detailed screens kindly get these reports received by your primary physician so that antibiotics like augmentin or azithromycin may be added. Avoid direct exposure to cold air and limmit greasy and oily foods to decrease coughing. Cough suppressant syrups can be used and will help with the pain by decreasing cough frequency.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It is less likely however costochondral pain is one possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems very less likely to break a rib while coughing however muscle sprains or costochondral pains due to repeated coughing is one possibility. But you need to get a chest Xray to rule out any small pneumothorax due to the click you had mentioned. Also may need to rule out any signs of infection inside lung tissue like consolidation so that can also cause localised pleuritic pains. It may also need to have basic blood screens like complete blood picture and ESR and if possible sputum cultures and sensitivity.
Meanwhile Tramadol and local analgesics can be used for pain. But antibiotics usage seems almost unavoidable so after detailed screens kindly get these reports received by your primary physician so that antibiotics like augmentin or azithromycin may be added. Avoid direct exposure to cold air and limmit greasy and oily foods to decrease coughing. Cough suppressant syrups can be used and will help with the pain by decreasing cough frequency.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
