How to treat chest pain caused due to an injury making it difficult to cough and sneeze?
Patient: i jumped into water that was much shallower that i thought & experienced sharp pain in upper chest. almost 2 weeks ago.  since then when i cough or sneeze or laugh or try to turn over in bed or get out of bed i get a sharp pain in upper chest.  any idea of what i did to myself? (i had a vius about 4 weeks ago and another 1 started the day after i hurt myself, so i need to cough but hold it back because of the pain) Doctor: Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. In my opinion you are having blunt chest trauma. And pain on coughing, sneezing is seen in following possible complications of blunt chest trauma. 1. Rib fracture2. Pulmonary contusions3. Pneumothorax4. Muscular injury. So get done chest x ray.  If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry much. You are having muscular injury mostly.So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid heavyweight lifting. 2. Avoid strenuous exercise. 3. Avoid bad posture and movements causing pain. 4. Start painkiller and muscle relaxant. 5. Apply warm water pad on affected site. 6. Start antihistamine drug for cough and sneezing. Don't worry, you will be alright.