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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chest Infection,rib Cage Pain And Stabbing Pain While Coughing?

I am recovering from flu and a chest infection, approx two weeks now. Tonight I have unbearable pain on the right hand side of my rib cage.. It s a very sharp stabbing pain and worse when I cough. I have taken 8 paracetamols and 1 ibuprofen over the course of the day but the pain is getting worse
Fri, 1 Jul 2016
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

As you have had chest infection recently, and for sure have been coughing a lot, muscular pain or rib nerve pain are the most probable reason.
If you also smoke, pneumothorax should be rule out.
Finally, in rare cases, strong caught can cause rib fracture giving similar to yours symptoms.

It would be good for you to have chest and ribs x-ray to rule out mentioned possibilities.

Regards.
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What Causes Chest Infection,rib Cage Pain And Stabbing Pain While Coughing?

Hello! Thank you for the query. As you have had chest infection recently, and for sure have been coughing a lot, muscular pain or rib nerve pain are the most probable reason. If you also smoke, pneumothorax should be rule out. Finally, in rare cases, strong caught can cause rib fracture giving similar to yours symptoms. It would be good for you to have chest and ribs x-ray to rule out mentioned possibilities. Regards.