“I have been coughing and now my left side is hurting?”
I'm wondering if I need to go to the ER my side hurts every time I cough or really move.
35 years old
2 Answers
EmergencyPhysicianEmergencyPhysician
If you're experiencing severe pain in your side that is exacerbated by coughing or movement, it could be due to a variety of causes, some of which may require medical attention. Here are a few potential causes to consider:
1. **Muscle Strain:** Intense coughing or sudden, forceful movements can sometimes lead to muscle strain, which can cause pain in the affected area.
2. **Rib Fracture:** Severe coughing can occasionally result in a rib fracture, leading to sharp pain that worsens with movement.
3. **Pleurisy:** Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining around the lungs. It can cause sharp chest or side pain that intensifies with breathing, coughing, or movement.
4. **Pneumonia:** Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause chest or side pain, along with symptoms like coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
5. **Other Lung Conditions:** Conditions such as bronchitis or a lung infection can lead to coughing and pain, especially if there is inflammation in the chest area.
Given the severity of the pain and its association with coughing, it's advisable to seek medical attention in person promptly. You can start by contacting your primary care physician, an urgent care clinic, or visiting the emergency room if the pain is severe and worsening.
A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination, possibly order diagnostic tests like X-rays or a CT scan, and determine the cause of your pain. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition. It's essential not to delay seeking medical care, especially if the pain is severe, as some causes may require immediate intervention.
1. **Muscle Strain:** Intense coughing or sudden, forceful movements can sometimes lead to muscle strain, which can cause pain in the affected area.
2. **Rib Fracture:** Severe coughing can occasionally result in a rib fracture, leading to sharp pain that worsens with movement.
3. **Pleurisy:** Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining around the lungs. It can cause sharp chest or side pain that intensifies with breathing, coughing, or movement.
4. **Pneumonia:** Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause chest or side pain, along with symptoms like coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
5. **Other Lung Conditions:** Conditions such as bronchitis or a lung infection can lead to coughing and pain, especially if there is inflammation in the chest area.
Given the severity of the pain and its association with coughing, it's advisable to seek medical attention in person promptly. You can start by contacting your primary care physician, an urgent care clinic, or visiting the emergency room if the pain is severe and worsening.
A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination, possibly order diagnostic tests like X-rays or a CT scan, and determine the cause of your pain. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition. It's essential not to delay seeking medical care, especially if the pain is severe, as some causes may require immediate intervention.
Hi. A focused chest and lung physical exam is essential. An X-ray of your chest is important at this point in time. The pain may reflect muscle strain from coughing. But it may reflect pleurisy or a focal pneumonia. And receiving medications will benefit you now: anti inflammatory, anti cough, antibiotic plus inhaler for any bronchitis components. Yes.
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