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What Causes Fluttering Sensation Under Left Rib Cage While Coughing?
Question: Hi, two months ago I had a forceful coughing episode, during which time I felt a flutter or kicking sensation under my left rib cage. This occurred while I was sitting in my car. Although this sensation is not painful at all, there have been times when I felt a sharp pain where my lower few ribs meet on palpation. There are no visible bulges, discoloration or tenderness. The area does not hurt if I work out or even if I do abdominal exercises. Although two months have elapsed, I still feel this flutter sensation if I cough while sitting down or slouched over. It never happens when I am upright and cough. I don't cough often, but have been doing it more to see if I the feeling is still there. Is it possible that it's a muscle or something rubbing against my ribs that I never noticed before? Cracked cartilage? Strain or sprain?
Brief Answer:
We should first rule out any heart or lung issues.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, it could be a sprain.
But I would be more comfortable if I could rule out any heart or lung issues first.
I suggest you see your GP or a Physician and get an ECG and Chest XRay done.
This will broadly be able to tell whether all is well with your heart and lungs.
You also might require a 2D Echocardiogram but that would depend upon your Heart rate, BP and ECG report. If there is any abnormality in these three then a 2D Echo would be indicated.
So, please get these done and then we can think of muscular causes of the chest wall which can be managed with foamentation and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Do let me know the reports and I would be able to guide you further as to what should be done.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
We should first rule out any heart or lung issues.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, it could be a sprain.
But I would be more comfortable if I could rule out any heart or lung issues first.
I suggest you see your GP or a Physician and get an ECG and Chest XRay done.
This will broadly be able to tell whether all is well with your heart and lungs.
You also might require a 2D Echocardiogram but that would depend upon your Heart rate, BP and ECG report. If there is any abnormality in these three then a 2D Echo would be indicated.
So, please get these done and then we can think of muscular causes of the chest wall which can be managed with foamentation and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Do let me know the reports and I would be able to guide you further as to what should be done.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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