I have copd and cough all the time due to this i now have a rather large hernia on my left side over my rib cage. when i cough i feel like i am being stabbed and it is quite painful to the touch. help?

See a surgeon: If you truly have a hernia it sounds as if it may need surgical correction. Do this quickly. A viscus may become entrapped in the hernia and create a potentially life-threatening situation. Hope you improve quickly.

See your Doctor: If you truly have a hernia in your left side that could be serious. It also sounds like your COPD needs to be better controlled since you shouldn't be coughing so much or so hard. For relief, try Ibuprofen round the clock and ice the area several times daily.

Get treated: You need to get treated for the COPD and the cough. Treatments can include inhalers, nebulizer medications, and even steroids. You should also make sure you don't have an infection or another cause of the chronic cough. You can live well with this diagnosis. See your doctor as soon as you can. Good luck!