How common is it to crack a rib from coughing?

In one study, about 4 percent of adults with whooping cough fractured a rib from severe coughing, according to the CDC.

Can you break a rib by coughing or sneezing?

They help protect your lungs and expand and contract when you breathe. Children’s ribs bend easily and can often withstand a blow or fall. But adult ribs are more likely to break (fracture) under stress. Even coughing or a hard sneeze can fracture a rib.

What happens if you break a rib in your back?

Laughing, coughing, or sneezing can also send sharp pains shooting from the site of the break. Depending on the location of the fracture, bending over or twisting your upper body may also trigger sudden pain. Striking or pressing on the fracture will cause pain for at least several weeks.

Can you cough so hard you break your ribs?

Conclusions: Cough-induced rib fractures occur primarily in women with chronic cough. Middle ribs along the lateral aspect of the rib cage are affected most commonly. Although reduced bone density is likely a risk factor, cough-induced rib fractures can occur in the presence of normal bone density.

How do you treat sore ribs from coughing?

Treatment for rib pain from coughing. In conditions that cause coughing, like respiratory infections, there is no particular treatment for the rib pain. Doctors may prescribe medications that will relieve the pain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or nerve block injections.

What are the symptoms of a cracked rib?

Symptoms of Cracked RibsCommon symptom of cracked ribs is a severe chest pain. The pain worsens with deep breathing, coughing, laughing and moving. This pain should not be ignored because it may indicate perforation of the lungs which is a dangerous condition and requires immediate treatment.

What causes pain in the rib when coughing?

If you have rib pain from coughing that could be a sign of a lung infection or disorder. The most common is pneumonia. The thick mucus that builds up in the lungs requires coughing to be expelled, but it is so thick that the stress of coughing strains the ribs and causes pain.

Can coughing cause cracked ribs?

Excessive and forceful coughing too can sometimes cause rib damage. Ribs can get bruised, cracked or fractured and cause severe pain in the affected area. Movements of the rib cage while coughing tend to worsen the rib pain and discomfort.