Why does your side hurt when you cough it just started all of the sudden?

There are several possible reasons why your side might hurt when you cough, and it's important to determine the cause to ensure appropriate treatment. Sudden onset of side pain with coughing warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here are a few potential causes:

1. Muscle Strain: Excessive coughing can strain the muscles in your rib cage and abdomen, leading to pain on one or both sides.

2. Pulled Muscle: A sudden, intense cough can cause a muscle to pull or tear, resulting in sharp pain in the affected area.

3. Costochondritis: This condition involves inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. Coughing can irritate and worsen the inflammation, causing pain in the chest or upper abdomen.

4. Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity, can cause sharp, stabbing pain on the affected side, especially when coughing or breathing deeply.

5. Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs, such as pneumonia, can lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lung tissue. Coughing can aggravate the inflammation and cause chest pain.

6. Other Medical Conditions: In some cases, side pain during coughing can be a symptom of more serious underlying medical conditions such as kidney stones, gallbladder problems, or certain lung conditions like pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or bloody sputum, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can assess your symptoms, perform any necessary tests, and determine the appropriate treatment.