What does it mean when you cough and makes your ribs and chest hurts?

Musculoskeletal...: The discomfort you are experiencing is likely musculoskeletal in nature. There are muscles, cartilage, bones, etc that make up your chest wall. These structures can become strained/inflamed with continued coughing. You need to have this cough diagnosed and treated by your doctor. Possible etiologies for this cough include bronchospasm from any cause, gerd, post-nasal drip or combination of these.