Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Right-sided Stabbing Pain In Rib Area While Coughing?
Question: Had the flu for a week.Filling better but now when I cough I get a sharp stabbing pain on my right side in the rib area?
Brief Answer:
you need an X-ray
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Persistent cough may cause rib muscle fatigue and - sometimes- pain which is a benign condition that is commonly felt symmetrically. Sharp stabbing pain on one side only usually denotes pleuritis which is a complication of pneumonia. What is unusual is that you started having this pain when things seemed to go better.
An X-ray of the lungs would make things clear. A clinical encounter can also do so. Your doctor can - with auscultation - determine whether you have pneumonia or pleuritis but the X-ray would be needed anyway, that's why I'm suggesting it from the start.
So in conclusion, pleuritis and pneumonia have to be ruled out because they are much more serious conditions than a common respiratory infection. Your improvement give us hope that the X-ray would be clear, but it is still needed.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like more information ,please let me know and I'll be glad to answer.
Kind Regards!
you need an X-ray
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Persistent cough may cause rib muscle fatigue and - sometimes- pain which is a benign condition that is commonly felt symmetrically. Sharp stabbing pain on one side only usually denotes pleuritis which is a complication of pneumonia. What is unusual is that you started having this pain when things seemed to go better.
An X-ray of the lungs would make things clear. A clinical encounter can also do so. Your doctor can - with auscultation - determine whether you have pneumonia or pleuritis but the X-ray would be needed anyway, that's why I'm suggesting it from the start.
So in conclusion, pleuritis and pneumonia have to be ruled out because they are much more serious conditions than a common respiratory infection. Your improvement give us hope that the X-ray would be clear, but it is still needed.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like more information ,please let me know and I'll be glad to answer.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
By proceeding further you accept the Terms and Conditions
