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What Causes Right-sided Stabbing Pain In Rib Area While Coughing?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015
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?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (28 minutes later)
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!
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3819 Questions

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What Causes Right-sided Stabbing Pain In Rib Area While Coughing?

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!