What Causes Fluttering Sensation Under Left Rib Cage While Coughing?

Posted on Sun, 23 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, two months ago I had a forceful coughing episode, during which time I felt a flutter or kicking sensation under my left rib cage. This occurred while I was sitting in my car. Although this sensation is not painful at all, there have been times when I felt a sharp pain where my lower few ribs meet on palpation. There are no visible bulges, discoloration or tenderness. The area does not hurt if I work out or even if I do abdominal exercises. Although two months have elapsed, I still feel this flutter sensation if I cough while sitting down or slouched over. It never happens when I am upright and cough. I don't cough often, but have been doing it more to see if I the feeling is still there. Is it possible that it's a muscle or something rubbing against my ribs that I never noticed before? Cracked cartilage? Strain or sprain?

Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
We should first rule out any heart or lung issues.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, it could be a sprain.
But I would be more comfortable if I could rule out any heart or lung issues first.
I suggest you see your GP or a Physician and get an ECG and Chest XRay done.
This will broadly be able to tell whether all is well with your heart and lungs.
You also might require a 2D Echocardiogram but that would depend upon your Heart rate, BP and ECG report. If there is any abnormality in these three then a 2D Echo would be indicated.
So, please get these done and then we can think of muscular causes of the chest wall which can be managed with foamentation and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Do let me know the reports and I would be able to guide you further as to what should be done.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar