Chest Pain After Coughing: When to Seek Medical Attention

Q: Chest Pain After Coughing: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello： No need for ice packs, it is recommended to see an internist for an X-ray evaluation!

After a few days of cold and cough, pain began in the left chest area?

Hello Dr.
Yang, I have had a cold for over a week, starting with a cough, runny nose, and fever.
I am almost recovered now, with only a cough (producing white phlegm) remaining.
Although the frequency of my cough has decreased, I started experiencing pain in my left chest (near the lower edge of my bra) whenever I cough a few days ago.
The pain has lessened over the past couple of days, but I still feel pain when taking deep breaths (and when pressing on it).
I'm not sure if this is due to coughing too hard and straining my muscles.
When lying flat, I noticed that the painful area on the left side is slightly swollen compared to the right side.
Should I apply ice (or heat) to it? What can I do to alleviate and improve this condition? Do I need to see a pulmonologist for an X-ray examination? Thank you.

Bei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/20

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: No need for ice packs, it is recommended to see an internist for an X-ray evaluation!

Reply Date: 2018/06/20

More Info

Chest pain after coughing can be concerning, especially when it follows a respiratory illness like a cold or flu. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a cough with white phlegm for over a week, and now you are noticing pain in your left chest area that worsens with coughing and deep breathing. This pain could be due to several factors, including muscle strain from frequent coughing, inflammation of the chest wall, or even pleuritic pain, which is pain that occurs when the pleura (the lining around the lungs) becomes inflamed.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Persistent or Worsening Pain: If the chest pain persists or worsens, it is essential to seek medical attention. While muscle strain is a common cause of pain after coughing, it is crucial to rule out other potential issues, such as pneumonia or pleurisy.

2. Associated Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, chills, or coughing up blood, you should seek immediate medical care. These symptoms could indicate a more severe condition that requires prompt treatment.

3. Duration of Symptoms: Since you mentioned that the pain has been present for a few days and is associated with a recent respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if the pain does not improve or if you have concerns about it.

Recommended Actions
1. Rest and Avoid Strain: Give your body time to recover. Avoid activities that may exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

2. Ice or Heat Application: Applying ice to the painful area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. After a few days, if the pain persists, you might switch to heat therapy (like a warm compress) to help relax the muscles and improve blood flow.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage on the package or consult with a healthcare provider.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If the pain continues to improve, it may just be a muscle strain. However, if it worsens or new symptoms develop, it’s essential to follow up with a healthcare provider.

Diagnostic Considerations
If you decide to see a doctor, they may recommend a chest X-ray or other imaging studies to rule out conditions such as pneumonia, pleuritis, or other lung-related issues. A physical examination will also help determine if the pain is musculoskeletal or related to lung pathology.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is possible that your chest pain is due to muscle strain from coughing, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, seeking medical attention is the best course of action. Your healthcare provider can perform the necessary evaluations to ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. Remember to take care of yourself and allow your body the time it needs to heal.

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