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 Rib Pain On Coughing?

I am just getting over pneumonia and coughing a lot. Last night I felt something pop in my back left, upper rib. Very sharp pain. I can breathe okay and taking ibuprofen every 4 hours. I m afraid to cough again because it hurts. I m also doing hot and cold packs. How long will this take to feel okay?
Fri, 5 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
In my opinion you are having muscular pain only due to excessive coughing. Since you had pneumonia, better to rule out recurrence of pneumonia as this can also cause similar pain. So get done chest x ray and compare this with previous one. If improving than no need to worry much, this is muscular only.
Due to excessive coughing ribs and intercostal muscles are contracting very forcefully. When coughing is repeated, it becomes painful. So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous exercise.
2. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
3. Along with ibuprofen take muscle relaxant also.
4. Continue warm water pad application.
5. Wear chest belt to avoid mobilisation of affected area.
I find this answer helpful
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 Rib Pain On Coughing?

Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion you are having muscular pain only due to excessive coughing. Since you had pneumonia, better to rule out recurrence of pneumonia as this can also cause similar pain. So get done chest x ray and compare this with previous one. If improving than no need to worry much, this is muscular only. Due to excessive coughing ribs and intercostal muscles are contracting very forcefully. When coughing is repeated, it becomes painful. So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep. 3. Along with ibuprofen take muscle relaxant also. 4. Continue warm water pad application. 5. Wear chest belt to avoid mobilisation of affected area.