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What Causes Pain In Rib Cage While Coughing?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015
Question: I am 70 year old Female with HBP, diabetes and fibromyalgia, I am currently experiencing pain when I cough at the bottom line of my rib cage on the left that has moved to the center of my abdomen just in the past couple of days. the pain is sharp, tearing and burning when I cough and is dull but constant when I do not cough. My previous description must have not been accurate because you thought it was lung associated which I do not feel is the problem, what else could be at the bottom of the rib cag, upper abdomen?
I mis-stated, it was on the right side, not left
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Stomach, gall bladder and liver pain are felt under the right ribs

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I went through your post with diligence. Besides pleuritic pain, stomach pain (gastritis / duodenal ulcer), gall bladder (cholecystitis) and liver (inflammation) pain are felt under right rib cage. Almost all cases of pleuritic chest pain are localised only to the subcostal region (below ribs) and since you feel the pain moving to umbilical region, I think you are right we should consider other possibilities.

I will urge you to see a doctor right away as the pain seems persistent and probably worsening. You may need set of test that includes complete blood count, ultrasound abdomen and the chest X-ray to isolate the cause. Until you see the doctor it is wise to rest more, avoid strenuous activities, use over the counter pain killer such as tylenol pain relief along with OTC antacids.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if you need more information.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3708 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Rib Cage While Coughing?

Brief Answer: Stomach, gall bladder and liver pain are felt under the right ribs Detailed Answer: Hi, I went through your post with diligence. Besides pleuritic pain, stomach pain (gastritis / duodenal ulcer), gall bladder (cholecystitis) and liver (inflammation) pain are felt under right rib cage. Almost all cases of pleuritic chest pain are localised only to the subcostal region (below ribs) and since you feel the pain moving to umbilical region, I think you are right we should consider other possibilities. I will urge you to see a doctor right away as the pain seems persistent and probably worsening. You may need set of test that includes complete blood count, ultrasound abdomen and the chest X-ray to isolate the cause. Until you see the doctor it is wise to rest more, avoid strenuous activities, use over the counter pain killer such as tylenol pain relief along with OTC antacids. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if you need more information. Regards