Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Cough? (2024)

Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear irritants or mucus from the respiratory system.

However, for some individuals, coughing can be accompanied by an unexpected and unwelcome sensation: rib pain.

This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be localized or widespread. Understanding the reasons behind why your ribs hurt when coughing is essential for proper diagnosis and effective management.

Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Cough?

When you cough, the muscles between your ribs contract forcefully. If these muscles are strained or inflamed, coughing can cause pain or discomfort in the rib area. Additionally, persistent coughing can lead to rib fractures or bruising, further exacerbating the pain. It’s important to consult a doctor if rib pain persists or worsens.

Causes of Rib Pain When Coughing

Rib pain when coughing can arise from various causes related to both the respiratory system and the musculoskeletal structure of the chest.

Here are some common causes:

• Intercostal Muscle Strain: Repeated or forceful coughing can strain the intercostal muscles, which are the muscles between the ribs. This strain can cause pain and discomfort.
• Rib Fracture: Prolonged or severe coughing can sometimes lead to a stress fracture in one of the ribs, particularly in older adults or those with weakened bones.
• Costochondritis: This is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It can cause sharp pain, which might be worsened by coughing.
• Pleurisy: This is an inflammation of the thin layers of tissue (pleura) lining the lungs and the inner chest wall. Coughing can exacerbate the sharp, stabbing pain associated with pleurisy.
• Lung Diseases: Conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or lung cancer can lead to coughing and associated rib pain.
• Pneumothorax: Also known as a collapsed lung, this condition occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. It can cause sharp chest pain exacerbated by coughing.
• Rib Infection or Tumor: Though rare, infections or tumors in the rib can cause pain.
• Referred Pain: Pain can sometimes originate in other areas, such as the spine or the heart, and be felt in the rib area, which can be intensified by coughing.
• Fracture Healing: If someone had a rib fracture in the past, coughing might cause discomfort in the healing area.
• Other Infections: Infections like tuberculosis or fungal infections can cause persistent coughing and rib pain.

Note: Rib pain when coughing can have multiple causes, some of which might be severe. If someone is experiencing persistent or intense rib pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of Rib Pain When Coughing

Experiencing rib pain when coughing can manifest in various symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Sharp, Stabbing Pain: This is often felt at the site of the affected rib or muscle. The pain typically intensifies during a coughing episode or deep breath.
• Tenderness to Touch: The area around the affected rib might be sensitive or painful when pressed.
• Muscle Spasms: Some people experience involuntary muscle contractions in the rib area.
• Restricted Movement: Pain might limit the range of motion, making it uncomfortable to twist the torso or engage in certain activities.
• Swelling or Inflammation: In some cases, especially with significant muscle strains or injuries, there may be visible swelling or inflammation in the rib area.
• Bruising: In the event of trauma or a fracture, there might be bruising on the skin around the injured rib.
• Breathing Difficulties: Severe rib pain might make it challenging to take deep breaths, leading to shortness of breath in some cases.
• Audible Crack or Pop: In the case of a rib fracture, some individuals might hear or feel a crack or pop at the time of injury.
• Increased Pain with Movement: Bending over, lifting objects, or even simple movements might exacerbate the pain.
• Persistent Aching: Apart from sharp pains during coughing or movement, there may be a constant dull ache in the affected area.

Note: If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, especially if you suspect a rib fracture or have difficulty breathing, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.

How to Stop Rib Pain While Coughing

If you’re experiencing rib pain while coughing, consider the following remedies and preventative measures:

• Rest and Recovery: Giving your body time to heal is crucial. If possible, try to reduce the frequency and force of your cough.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always use as directed and ensure there are no contraindications with other medications you might be taking.
• Cough Suppressants: If the cough is persistent, consider using cough suppressants. However, if the cough is productive (bringing up mucus), it’s crucial not to suppress it completely.
• Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the sore area can help relieve muscle tension and pain.
• Supportive Binding: In some cases, especially if there’s a suspected rib injury, a doctor might recommend a rib belt or binding to provide support.
• Breathing Exercises: Gentle breathing exercises can help to maintain lung function without straining the ribs too much. Taking slow, deep breaths can help.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and potentially reducing the need to cough as frequently.
• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, dust, or any other respiratory irritants that can exacerbate coughing.
• Consultation: If you suspect a severe injury like a rib fracture or if the pain is intense and persistent, consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Antibiotics or Antivirals: If the cause of your cough is a bacterial or viral infection, you might need a prescribed medication to address the root cause.

Remember: While these methods can provide relief, it’s essential to address the underlying cause of the cough to prevent further rib pain or injury.

FAQs About Rib Pain While Coughing

Can Severe Coughing Cause Rib Pain?

Yes, severe coughing can cause rib pain. When you cough intensely and repeatedly, it exerts significant force on the chest muscles and the intercostal muscles (those located between the ribs). Over time, this can lead to muscle strain or even inflammation in these areas, resulting in pain.

In more extreme cases, particularly in people with weakened bones or in the elderly, persistent and severe coughing can even lead to rib fractures.

Such fractures are painful and can further intensify the discomfort every time one coughs. If someone suspects they might have a rib injury due to coughing, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

Can You Pull a Muscle in Your Ribs from Coughing?

Yes, you can pull a muscle in your ribs from coughing. The muscles situated between the ribs, known as the intercostal muscles, are responsible for helping the ribcage expand and contract during breathing and coughing.

Persistent or forceful coughing can strain these muscles, leading to inflammation and pain, a condition commonly referred to as intercostal muscle strain. This can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the rib area that may worsen with subsequent coughs or deep breaths.

Proper rest and pain management are typically recommended, but if the pain persists or is severe, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.

Is it Normal for Your Ribs to Hurt When You Cough?

Occasional rib pain during a bout of intense or prolonged coughing is relatively common due to the force exerted on the intercostal muscles and ribs.

However, persistent or severe rib pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as it could indicate underlying conditions or injuries.

Is Having Rib Pain an Emergency?

While not all rib pain signifies an emergency, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. These include severe pain, difficulty breathing, symptoms of a chest infection, or suspicion of a broken rib.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional if in doubt about the severity of the symptoms.

What is Intercostal Muscle Strain?

Intercostal muscle strain refers to an injury to the muscles located between the ribs. These muscles play a vital role in the movement of the ribcage during breathing.

Straining these muscles, often from activities like coughing, lifting, or sudden movements, can result in pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.

Why Can Breathing, Coughing, or Sneezing Increase Rib Pain?

Breathing, coughing, and sneezing involve the contraction and expansion of the ribcage.

If there’s an injury, inflammation, or other issues with the ribs or surrounding muscles (like an intercostal muscle strain), these actions exert pressure or strain on the affected area, intensifying the pain.

Why Does My Rib Pain Worsen When I Take a Deep Breath?

Taking a deep breath requires the ribs to expand significantly, putting strain on the intercostal muscles and the ribcage.

If there’s an existing injury, inflammation, or other underlying issues in the rib area, this expansion can exacerbate the discomfort, making the pain feel more intense during deep inhalations.

Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Cough While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes. The growing uterus can push and shift organs, including the ribcage, leading to occasional discomfort.

Additionally, the hormone relaxin, which prepares the body for childbirth, makes the joints and ligaments, including those in the rib area, more flexible and prone to strain.

Coughing exerts added pressure, potentially causing or amplifying rib pain in pregnant individuals.

Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Cough with COVID?

COVID-19 often presents with respiratory symptoms, including a persistent cough. Repeated and forceful coughing due to the viral infection can strain the intercostal muscles and ribs, leading to pain.

Additionally, inflammation in the lungs caused by the virus can make the chest area more sensitive, making any coughing or respiratory movement potentially more painful. It’s essential to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if needed.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing rib pain when coughing can be indicative of various underlying causes, ranging from benign to potentially serious conditions.

It is crucial to pay attention to this symptom and seek medical evaluation if the pain persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

By identifying the root cause of rib pain during coughing, individuals can receive appropriate treatment and find relief from this discomfort.