What Causes Popping Sound And Pain In The Chest After Coughing?

Posted on Sun, 14 May 2017

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

Sun, 14 May 2017 Answered on

Tue, 6 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I coughed and heard a loud pop. Immediately after, I have excruciating pain under my left breast. It hurts tto clear my throat. Really bad if I cough and a sneeze sends me over the top. I took an Aleve and put a Salonpas patch over the area. Happened about a half hour ago. I'm concerned about the pop and if I cracked a rib.

still waiting for an answer!

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Broken rib is very probable.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Thank you for the query.

Yes, this sounds like a broken rib indeed. Strong cough can do that for sure. It is also possible that you may have a pmeumothorax (air in the chest).
That is why you definitely should consult your doctor. Chest x-ray and ribs x-ray have to be done. In case of pneumothorax, drainage might be necessary.

Hope this helps.
Regards.

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