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What Causes Pain Above Waist After Coughing Hard?
I have allergic asthma and you know what time of year it is!!! Last week I was coughing so hard I had t get out of bed because I thought I was going to vomit. Instead I had dry heaving and then got a really sharp pain on my left side/back just above my waist. It hurt for a couple days then quite for about 36 hours. Now the pain is back but worse. Have I pulled a muscle?
Mon, 26 Jun 2023
Hi,
It is possible that you have pulled a muscle or strained a ligament due to the force of coughing. Coughing can cause strain on the muscles in the chest and abdomen, and this can lead to pain in the upper back or rib area. It is also possible that you have developed pleurisy, which is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. This can cause sharp pain in the chest or back, particularly when taking a deep breath or coughing.
If the pain persists or becomes more severe, it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider for evaluation. They may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to evaluate the area and determine the underlying cause of the pain. In the meantime, taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve the pain. It is also important to avoid activities that aggravate the pain and to rest the affected area as much as possible.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
It is possible that you have pulled a muscle or strained a ligament due to the force of coughing. Coughing can cause strain on the muscles in the chest and abdomen, and this can lead to pain in the upper back or rib area. It is also possible that you have developed pleurisy, which is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. This can cause sharp pain in the chest or back, particularly when taking a deep breath or coughing.
If the pain persists or becomes more severe, it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider for evaluation. They may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to evaluate the area and determine the underlying cause of the pain. In the meantime, taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve the pain. It is also important to avoid activities that aggravate the pain and to rest the affected area as much as possible.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
It can be indicative of strain or sprain of the rib muscles, costochondritis, or can be indicative of developing pleurisy. For relief, you can take naproxen, one stat after food. It will help to relieve pain. You can also get clinically examined, get X-ray done to rule out pleurisy. Get connected to a Physical therapist. Exercises and massage will help to relieve the pain and discomfort. Do not strain while coughing. If any underlying health condition is detected, it will be accordingly treated.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
It can be indicative of strain or sprain of the rib muscles, costochondritis, or can be indicative of developing pleurisy. For relief, you can take naproxen, one stat after food. It will help to relieve pain. You can also get clinically examined, get X-ray done to rule out pleurisy. Get connected to a Physical therapist. Exercises and massage will help to relieve the pain and discomfort. Do not strain while coughing. If any underlying health condition is detected, it will be accordingly treated.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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