is it possible to injure yourself by coughing?

Question

I've had a chesty cough for over two weeks and for the last 4 days I have had a pain at the left side of my waist. It feels bruised, the pain is worse when I cough but i also feel a dull ache constantly. Is it worth seeing my DR about or will it just go away?

Answer 1

If you were frail, you could crack a rib..

Answer 2

Yes you can injure yourself from Coughing or Sneezing. The muscles between the ribs can become strained just like any other muscle, the diaphram can become strained, ultimatley if you cough hard enough the ribs or spine can be damaged, cracked, or even in extreme cases broken. However you would really know about that as it would not be a dull ache but a sharp pain.
I would suggest a strain. Treat in normal way, muscle rub ointment, or pain killer rub, take some ibuprofen or such like if your able too considering any other pills, potions and personal preferance and try to rest it. If the pain continues over a week then go to your Dr or walk in centre for advice.

Answer 3

Generally if you have a persistent cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks and is interrupting your day/ or causing pain you should see a Dr about it to rule out more serious conditions, it could just be a really bad cold, or it could be turning into something worse and yes it's possible to hurt yourself while coughing.

Answer 4

Yes, - it IS possible, to injure yourself, by coughing. I KNOW about that, - because I have, actually, managed to DO so.

Some months ago, - while suffering from the flu, - I had such a VIOLENT coughing fit, that, - although, I didn't REALISE it, at the time, - I HAD, actually, cracked a couple of RIBS, which left me in AGONY, way after the COLD had gone. See your Doctor, by ALL means, - just to be on the SAFE side of things!

Good luck, - and, I hope you feel better, soon!

Answer 5

You must see a Dr even if it's only to get something for the cough. I broke two ribs coughing my DR moaned that I should have seen her sooner with my chestiness. I waited seven weeks but it cleared up with some anti-biotics in no time

Answer 6

If it has lasted this long, get it checked out. The pain is probably a pulled muscle from coughing, and a cough that has lasted two weeks needs a doctor's attention. Get well soon.

Answer 7

Although it is possible to injure yourself coughing it is unlikely.
The cause of your pain may be due to a chest infection such as bronchitis or even pneumonia especially as you have had a cough for two weeks so I would go and see a Medical Doctor as soon as you can and get it treated.
Good luck

Answer 8

You should see a doctor. It is possible to injure yourself by coughing. I've had bruised ribs from coughing and my mother actually broke a rib. My thoughts are with you and I hope you feel better.

Answer 9

Yes, it can even cause the ribs to be broken. I too have been dealing with a chest cold type problem the past two weeks as well. I finally went to the dr on Mon about it and turned out that I have been dealing with bronchitis.

I would recommend seeing your dr for further evaluation to see what they say.

Answer 10

Yes you can. My mother and a friend both had coughed so much that they fractured a rib. You may need a muscle relaxant to help calm your cough and get some rest.

Answer 11

You've had a bad cough for 2 weeks and you still haven't seen your doctor yet? Well, now you have an even better excuse to make that appointment. It probably won't just go away.