Question 1

i've had cough. it's like a pulling sensation almost. do you think i might've fractured a rib, advise?

Accepted Answer

More likely : intecostal muscle strain @ your age unless for some reason you have osteoporosis. Then a fierce cough can cause rib or vertebral Fx's. An evaluation by your PCB can be of great help. A hands on eval and images can give you an answer.

Question 2

have 2 ribs fractured as result of a cough.is vitamine d and calcium supp a good option for healing?

Accepted Answer

Cough = fx ribs??: Don't need supplements unless you're deficient in certain areas. Time heals. Rib fxs with coughing are rare...Who diagnosed you?  Are you that low in calcium?

Question 3

have a cough i can't shake off, extreme pain in ribs then developed limiting movement, pain has now improved but a hard lump is on my rib, fractured?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: That might be a fracture. You should probably get into see your doctor for examination and a possible chest x-ray. That could be from other more serious things than a fracture.

Question 4

good morning dr.
i had small injury on my right side of my cheat - 
my symptoms are as following:

it hurts when i inhale, twist my upper body and when i cough. it feels like a fractured rib - but ey, im not a doctor :) if you could please assist

Accepted Answer

See below: Rib fracture is a possibility. Also likely is a musculoskeletal problem--  acute muscle strain, pulled muscle. This can cause a fair amount of pain. Your personal physician can rule out rib fracture. Possible x-ray

Question 5

partner had accident 2yrs ago, fractured t9  ribs and "small" lung puncture. no surgery.  ongoing minor cough all seasons ever since. any correlation?

Accepted Answer

See below : Usually a small pneumothorax that  did not need any type of invasive treatment such as a thoracostomy tube does not have a residual sequeli . You should probably check with a pulmonary specialist to see if there's any other etiologies. Good luck thank you.

Question 6

hi doctor, is coughing up blood a sysptom of hairline fractured ribs

not like big amounts just on flemmy cough (green thick)?

Accepted Answer

No: Coughing up blood can be a sign of infection or pulmonary embolus or heart valve condition. If severely short of breath or chest pain or lightheaded go to emergency room. Otherwise see primary care doctor for specific diagnosis and treatment this is a serious symptom needs a evaluation

Question 7

my left collarbone is in continuous pain and i have a chest cough which has been going on for about 4 days. could it be fractured?

Accepted Answer

Certainly there is: the possibility of rib or collar bone fracture with extreme coughing but it is more likely to be muscle spasm or strain. Other potential diagnoses include pneumothorax so it would be reasonable to seek health care evaluation as the symptoms have been persistent for four days. A Chest X-ray will tell the story.

Question 8

could i have fractured a rib from coughing while i have pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This can happen.  It's more likely to happen in older people, especially older women, who have lower bone density.  There's not much you can do about it, since rib fractures are usually left to heal on their own.

Question 9

are rib fractures from severe coughing really a rare event?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly...: Young, otherwise healthy individuals that develop pain/tenderness with severe cough are not likely to have "broken a rib". Cough induced rib fractures generally occur in a specific segment of the population with or without predisposing conditions/pathology. This link may provide a summary: http://goo.Gl/qokhr.

Question 10

how do i know if i have an intercostal muscle strain or a fractured rib from persistent, deep coughing/bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Tough Call: I've seen ribs break from coughing. Can be hard to tell. If it hurts more pinpoint directly over bone the chances of a rib fracture are higher. Intercostal sprains are more diffuse, but they can also be pinpoint. Try ice packs, tylenol (acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen and give it a few days. If not getting better see your doc. If there is any trouble breathing or worsening pain, see your doc sooner.

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Doctor answers about:

Can you fracture a rib from coughing

A member asked:

I've had cough. it's like a pulling sensation almost. do you think i might've fractured a rib, advise?

A member asked:

Have 2 ribs fractured as result of a cough.is vitamine d and calcium supp a good option for healing?

A member asked:

Have a cough i can't shake off, extreme pain in ribs then developed limiting movement, pain has now improved but a hard lump is on my rib, fractured?

A member asked:

Good morning dr. i had small injury on my right side of my cheat - my symptoms are as following: it hurts when i inhale, twist my upper body and when i cough. it feels like a fractured rib - but ey, im not a doctor :) if you could please assist

A member asked:

Partner had accident 2yrs ago, fractured t9 ribs and "small" lung puncture. no surgery. ongoing minor cough all seasons ever since. any correlation?

A member asked:

Hi doctor, is coughing up blood a sysptom of hairline fractured ribs not like big amounts just on flemmy cough (green thick)?

A member asked:

My left collarbone is in continuous pain and i have a chest cough which has been going on for about 4 days. could it be fractured?

A member asked:

Could i have fractured a rib from coughing while i have pneumonia?

A member asked:

Are rib fractures from severe coughing really a rare event?

A member asked:

How do i know if i have an intercostal muscle strain or a fractured rib from persistent, deep coughing/bronchitis?

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