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

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In Ribs After Coughing Episode

default
Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Question: I currently have a sinus infection which causes me to cough... I was just outside about 20 minutes ago when I coughed which led to a sudden, sharp and severe pain in my left lower side (between my rib cage base and my hip) it has subsided but comes back immediately when I cough or try to blow my nose... it is localized in the same area... I think I may have torn a muscle but am not sure...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
could be...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

it could be due to the forceful expiratory movement of coughing (a sore muscle) but it could also be caused by a mild pneumothorax. Although spontaneous pneumothorax does not usually occur after coughing, it could be the cause of your pain. Clinical examination by your doctor and a chest X-ray are sufficient to confirm or exclude it. You'd better ask your doctor to check your chest, particularly if you feel shortness of breath or pain during respiratory movements.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In Ribs After Coughing Episode

Brief Answer: could be... Detailed Answer: Hello, it could be due to the forceful expiratory movement of coughing (a sore muscle) but it could also be caused by a mild pneumothorax. Although spontaneous pneumothorax does not usually occur after coughing, it could be the cause of your pain. Clinical examination by your doctor and a chest X-ray are sufficient to confirm or exclude it. You'd better ask your doctor to check your chest, particularly if you feel shortness of breath or pain during respiratory movements. Kind Regards!