Severe pain right side torso when I cough especially

[RJP3526]

am just getting over a bad cold or flu - Part of it was a wicked hacking dry cough that hurt badly when coughing. Almost like a bronchitis cough. Its seems to be getting better finally - but yesterday I had one more bad coughing episode during which I actually felt a snap or pop in my right lung/right rib cage area. It is just about in the center right side of my torso, below my chest and above my stomach - almost dead center on my right side - After that cough and the "pop" or snap, I have had just Unbearable pain in that one area - so bad I cannot even let myself cough, because the pain is so severe. What can this extreme pain be? Pulled muscle, bruised or fractured rib, infection spot in right lung, ??? I just don't know. Maybe someone out there has had this and knows, or a medical person has diagnosed what this is. The severe pain occurs if I cough now, and also if I move my right side or right arm, get in/out of car, reach or lift with right side, almost any movement, even in/out of bed or sofa. I am very scared at this point, the pain is so bad. The only time it does not hurt is if I sit perfectly still in one position - God forbid a cough or sneeze comes on, it is like some one keeps shoving a big knife in the center of my right side. Please help - anyone ?

[Tuckamore]

Hello RJP,

I apologize it has taken my awhile to respond to your post. Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I am sorry that you are in such acute pain.

If you are still having the type of pain that you described seven hours ago I encourage you to seek medical attention. You are correct. You could have pulled a muscle. However there are other things that could be going on and only a clinical exam can determine what those may be.

Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your next update.
Take Care, Tuck  

[GoJohn]

Hello,
I realize that you have posted this 10 years ago but still, I can relate to your post.
I have just gone through the same symptoms you described. My question is...did you find out what the problem was, and if so, did you recover from the pain while coughing.
The reason I'm asking is that I had experienced the same symptoms you went trough, the sudden jolt of acute pain at the same spot on the side of the torso.
I hope you don't find me presumptuous in asking,  especially when you're asking 10 years after the fact. Meanwhile everyone tells me to go see a doctor to put me at ease but I'm stubborn in my own ways.  Anyways...
I hope it was a fast recovery for you, something I hope to replicate.

Much appreciated,
JohnHollister

[backhurtz]

John,
It is possible to cause a fracture of a rib by extremely hard or prolonged coughing.
If you experience new pain, then you should see your doctor for an xray to make sure you didn't fracture a rib.