Causes of rib pain when coughing

Colds and coughs are common, but for some people, coughing can cause rib pain. Rib pain is a very serious matter, because it is not like our common cold, where we know the cause and know what to pay attention to. Rib pain has many causes, so we should pay more attention to this aspect. Next, let’s take a look at the causes of rib pain when coughing.

What causes rib pain?

1. Caused by costochondritis

Rib pain caused by coughing may also be caused by costochondritis; costochondritis refers to a chronic nonspecific inflammation occurring in the costal cartilage, also known as non-suppurative costochondritis. Its main clinical manifestation is obvious local tenderness, which is most common in the 2nd and 3rd costal cartilages. Rib pain will be aggravated by deep breathing, coughing or upper limb activities.

Recommendation: This disease is more common in young and middle-aged people, more common in women than in men, and it also occurs occasionally in the elderly. If the pain is severe, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a detailed examination so that timely treatment can be provided.

2. Bronchitis caused

Rib pain caused by coughing may also be caused by bronchitis; bronchitis is mainly caused by repeated infections of viruses and bacteria, leading to chronic nonspecific inflammation of the bronchi. Its main clinical manifestations are irritating cough and pain behind the sternum, while strong coughing can cause pain in the intercostal muscles.

Recommendation: Smoking, air pollution, smoke and dust, allergies, etc. are the culprits of bronchitis. In daily life, we should pay more attention to self-protection and control and prevent the occurrence of this disease.

3. Caused by pleurisy

Pleurisy, also known as "pleurisy", is mainly caused by viral or bacterial stimulation of the pleura. Its clinical manifestations include chest pain, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and even difficulty breathing. Chest pain is the most common symptom of pleurisy. The pain is often aggravated by deep breathing or coughing, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as intercostal stabbing pain or needle-like pain.

Recommendation: If these symptoms occur and the pain is severe, you can go to the hospital first for blood routine, chest X-ray, sputum bacteria and other examinations. If you are diagnosed with this disease, you must follow the doctor's advice and actively treat the inflammation.

4. Caused by coughing and pulling

One of the symptoms that many people experience when they have a cold is coughing. Sometimes a cough can cause the lungs to contract or expand strongly. The strong reaction of the lungs can affect the reaction of other tissues. For example, the lungs and ribs may rub against each other, which may cause pain.