Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Sternum Area While Coughing

Brief Answer:
Most likely chest wall strain

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

If the pain started after your cold and cough started, it is most likely costochondritis which is that the chest wall is irritated from the coughing.

If you had water in your lungs (which is very unlikely in someone your age), that can be seen on a chest X-ray.

Consider asking your doctor for a good cough suppressant such as Tessalon or one that contains codeine.

I see that you are using Tylenol Extra Strength and Tylenol for Chest Congestion. It is important to make sure you are not getting too much acetaminophen as this can hurt your liver. Tylenol for chest congestion contains acetaminophen plus guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is a mucus thinner which works if you drink a lot of water with it. Tylenol Extra Strength has a high dose of acetaminophen, so definitely do not use both.

Consider:
Tylenol Extra Strength (as your only source of acetaminophen)
A product that is guaifenesin such as Mucinex, or one that combines guaifenesin and dextromethorphan which is a cough suppressant.

But make sure the medicines you use don't have overlap in ingredients.

If the chest pain is severe, go in for a chest X-ray. But it is most likely a strain or inflammation in the chest wall and will go away shortly after the cough goes away.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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Brief Answer:
Go in for chest X-ray.

Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry it hurts so much. If the pain is unbearable, please go in to your doctor or urgent care clinic today where I think you should get a chest X-ray. It's possible with severe coughing to fracture a rib. They can also give you prescription pain medication too.

Please let me know how you are doing after you have gone in to be seen.

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