As of: February 7, 2024, 9:07 a.m
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
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Coughing until a rib breaks?
That is possible.
How you can recognize a rib fracture and why you should definitely go to the doctor.
Anyone who catches a respiratory infection in the cold season is often plagued by persistent coughing attacks.
This is not only stressful, but can also be dangerous in individual cases.
When coughing, the ribs are exposed to a lot of pressure, which can lead to injuries.
Strong coughing fits – bruised or broken ribs possible
Most of the time we cough because we have a cold.
The inflamed mucous membrane of the respiratory tract then produces increased mucus in order to flush viruses or other pathogens out of the bronchi.
But air pollutants (e.g. cigarette smoke/exhaust fumes) or allergies, such as a house dust allergy or hay fever, can also trigger a cough.
The same applies to foreign bodies in the respiratory tract.
The cough is, first of all, a protective reflex of the body.
Only in rare cases is there a serious illness such as lung cancer or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
If the cough occurs in conjunction with certain warning signs, those affected should see a doctor.
Sometimes coughing can be very persistent and sometimes painful.
Especially if it lasts longer and puts permanent strain on the ribs.
Since the lungs repeatedly hit the ribs when coughing, the bones are exposed to a certain amount of pressure and a bruise can occur.
The thin skin covering the bone (osseous membrane) is injured.
Sometimes the pressure from coughing even damages the rib bone and breaks it partially or completely.
In rare cases, the rib cartilage is also affected.
When you cough, the lungs press suddenly against the ribs, which can lead to injuries (symbolic image).
© Pond5 Images/Imago
How do I recognize a bruised or broken rib?
If a rib is bruised by a strong cough, it typically causes severe pain.
They often occur even with light exertion and severely restrict freedom of movement.
Coughing and sneezing, for example, become difficult.
It is not uncommon for the pain in the rib to be felt even when at rest and increases with touch and pressure.
Since the periosteum is very sensitive to pain, a bruised rib can hurt even more than a broken rib.
Sometimes the area around the affected rib is red or swollen when there is a bruise, or back pain occurs.
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If the bony part of the rib is broken, it is not so easy to distinguish it from a bruised rib because the symptoms are sometimes similar.
Typical symptoms of a rib fracture are:
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Pain in the rib area
Pain worsens with pressure
Pain when breathing as the chest rises and falls
shallow breathing to subconsciously relieve pressure
grinding noise when breathing
The chest may be unusually bulging: pulling in when you breathe in and bulging out when you breathe out
Check for a possible rib fracture, otherwise complications may arise
A rib fracture is not without danger because the injured bone can injure the lung, which in the worst case can cause it to collapse.
Sometimes air builds up in the soft tissue (emphysema) or pneumonia occurs due to breathing problems.
Anyone who suspects they have broken a rib should see a doctor.
Especially if the rib pain is accompanied by shortness of breath.
An X-ray examination or a computer tomography will provide clarity.
What if the rib is really broken?
According to experts at
Magdeburg University Hospital,
the injury heals on its own in most cases.
Surgery is only rarely necessary.
Those affected have to be patient for around six weeks.
During this time, painkillers and breathing exercises can make breathing easier.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.