HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Pain In The Ribs Upon Coughing?

I had a bad cough for several weeks due to the coughing I either injured a muscle or fractured a rib, I have been in pain (#8 pain level ) for several days now. It is on the upper right side of my back and has effected the area of my rib cage in front. Or could it have something to do with my lungs? Do I need to get an xray? I have been working through it but when I cough the pain is pretty bad.
Wed, 12 Dec 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Chest muscles can be hurt during cough and when we cough we might feel a sharp pain on the time of the cough. This is very common and not dangerous. You may take some ibuprofen and paracetamol to help with it and if no improvement in 2-3 days you will need to see your doctor.

If you have the pain with breathing as well, it might still be due to a muscle but especially if it prevents you from breathing (shortness of breath) or if the cough is there for longer then 3 weeks then you will need to see a doctor to make sure everything is fine with your lungs.

I hope I have answered to your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Pain In The Ribs Upon Coughing?

Hello, Chest muscles can be hurt during cough and when we cough we might feel a sharp pain on the time of the cough. This is very common and not dangerous. You may take some ibuprofen and paracetamol to help with it and if no improvement in 2-3 days you will need to see your doctor. If you have the pain with breathing as well, it might still be due to a muscle but especially if it prevents you from breathing (shortness of breath) or if the cough is there for longer then 3 weeks then you will need to see a doctor to make sure everything is fine with your lungs. I hope I have answered to your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Kind regards, Antoneta Zotaj General & Family Physician