Persistent Cough and Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Q: Persistent Cough and Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hello： You should get a chest X-ray to clarify the cause of your chest pain. <br>If you have phlegm that is difficult to cough up, you still need to visit a hospital or clinic. <br>In case of emergency medical care abroad, you can report it to the National Health Insurance Admini

Coughing for a month, currently experiencing a dry cough and unbearable rib pain?

Hello, doctor.
I currently live abroad, and it's inconvenient for me to see a doctor.
Last month, I had a persistent cough for about a month and relied on over-the-counter medications.
During the coughing, I experienced pain in my ribs, and there were times I coughed so hard that I nearly gagged.
However, I have not been coughing for the past week or two, although I still have occasional dry coughs.
When I cough, the pain in my ribs feels as if they might break, and the right side of my rib cage still hurts significantly.
It hurts a lot when I turn, bend over, or roll over while lying down.
I noticed that applying slight pressure on the painful area alleviates the pain.
Should I get an X-ray to check for any issues, or will it improve on its own after some time? Additionally, even though I only cough occasionally now, I still feel like I have phlegm, but I don't know how to expel it, which has been quite bothersome.
Is there any way to address the phlegm issue? Thank you.

Ms. Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/26

Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology

Hello: You should get a chest X-ray to clarify the cause of your chest pain.
If you have phlegm that is difficult to cough up, you still need to visit a hospital or clinic.
In case of emergency medical care abroad, you can report it to the National Health Insurance Administration upon returning to your country (you need to prepare a copy of your medical records, proof, and receipts).
Best regards.

Reply Date: 2016/12/26

More Info

Persistent cough and rib pain can be concerning symptoms, especially after a prolonged period of coughing. Given your situation, where you have experienced a month-long cough followed by rib pain that persists even after the cough has improved, it is essential to consider a few factors.

First, the rib pain you are experiencing could be due to several reasons. One common cause is muscle strain from the intense coughing. Coughing can put significant stress on the muscles and ligaments around the rib cage, leading to soreness or pain. This type of pain is usually manageable and can improve with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever, or changes in the color or consistency of your sputum, it is crucial to seek medical attention. In your case, since the rib pain is significant enough to affect your daily activities, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. An X-ray may be warranted to rule out any fractures or other underlying issues, especially if the pain continues or worsens.

Regarding the sensation of having phlegm that you cannot seem to cough up, this can be frustrating. Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus, making it easier to expel. Warm liquids, such as herbal teas or broths, can be particularly soothing.

2. Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus in the airways. You can do this by taking a hot shower or using a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to trap the steam.

3. Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your living space can add moisture to the air, which may help ease coughing and make it easier to clear mucus.

4. Expectorants: Over-the-counter expectorants, such as guaifenesin, can help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.

5. Controlled Coughing: Try to practice controlled coughing techniques. Take a deep breath, hold it for a moment, and then cough gently. This can sometimes help bring up mucus without causing excessive strain.

6. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can exacerbate coughing and mucus production.

If you find that these methods do not help and you continue to feel discomfort or have difficulty clearing your throat, it is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may perform additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or pulmonary function tests, to assess your lung health and determine the best course of action.

In summary, while muscle strain from coughing is a likely cause of your rib pain, persistent symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Additionally, employing strategies to manage mucus can help alleviate your discomfort. Always prioritize your health and seek professional advice when symptoms persist or worsen.

Similar Q&A

Severe Coughing Leading to Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Doctor, I have had a cold for about two weeks. Since I am in Europe, it is quite inconvenient to seek medical care, so I have been relying on over-the-counter medications. I have had respiratory issues since childhood, and every time I catch a cold, I end up with a prolonge...

Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, the cause of the pain may still be due to a few infections or more serious possibilities. If the symptoms persist, please seek medical attention, and consult with a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Persistent Cough and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hello Doctor: I started experiencing persistent coughing every night between 11 PM and 1 AM about a week ago, which is more pronounced when lying down compared to other positions. I feel an unbearable itch in my throat around the area between my collarbones, but there is no phleg...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Sam: Based on your respiratory history, including a history of pneumothorax, allergic rhinitis, and chest pain (possibly neuropathic pain), if your symptoms are not too severe, you may choose to monitor your condition. It is advisable to drink plenty of warm water and avoid...

Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist

I have high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Starting on November 26, I caught a cold, initially experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore throat. By November 27, the sore throat had resolved, but I began to cough and produc...

Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, the public. Online consultations are not available. We still recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic in person. Thank you for your inquiry.

Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing soreness in the lower left side of my rib cage for the past couple of days, especially when I cough or turn over while lying down. A few weeks ago, I had a throat bacterial infection caused by post-nasal drip, which led to some coughing and ...

Dr. Wang Lanfeng reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are more indicative of pain caused by a muscle strain, which may be related to the excessive coughing from your previous upper respiratory infection that led to the muscle strain. It is advisable to monitor the situation, and if the...