Torn Muscle from Coughing

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Derek Lawler - 05 Feb 2007 16:36 GMT

I had asthma for years but got it under control using Advair. It might have
been resolving itself anyway but I am glad not to have those episodes using
Albuterol to get the phlegm liberated.
The problem now is that my very vigorous cough in attempting to clear the
mucus that accumulates by morning has torn a muscle on my right side in
about the middle of the rib cage. I focus on trying not to cough as the
pain is intolerable but I know that gunk has to come up. I can't be the
only one with this problem so, what can I do about it? The muscle will
never heal as long as I have to cough. Any ideas? I have been taking
Robitussin DM but it is not working to stifle the cough.
Derek

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Bob - 06 Feb 2007 16:56 GMT

>I had asthma for years but got it under control using Advair. It might
>have
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> Robitussin DM but it is not working to stifle the cough.
> Derek

Your "torn" muscle may not be torn at all. Often times ribs will become
misaligned due to strenuous coughing, among other things. One way you can
check yourself to see if your problem is a mechanical/anatomical one is to
twist your torso left and right with your arms outstretched horizontally.
Do this repeatedly, say 20 repetitions right to left, making sure to turn
your torso to its full range of motion in both directions. If this helps,
then you can be reasonably certain you may just have a rib out of alignment.
I'm a chiro and see this often.

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TRN - 07 Feb 2007 00:56 GMT

Good advice. Thanks Dr Bob.

Hey, and I have found upping Ca helps too. More Milk and Vit D.

Joy

> >I had asthma for years but got it under control using Advair. It might
> >have
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> then you can be reasonably certain you may just have a rib out of alignment.
> I'm a chiro and see this often.

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Bob - 07 Feb 2007 16:40 GMT

> Good advice. Thanks Dr Bob.
>
> Hey, and I have found upping Ca helps too. More Milk and Vit D.
>
> Joy

You're welcome. On the mineral issue, sometimes muscles that are
chronically tight (due to "bracing" joints that are misaligned and
irritated) may benefit from additional magnesium as well. Also, adding a
little more water to your system on a regular basis can help.

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TRN - 08 Feb 2007 01:22 GMT

Also I know one asthmatic that reported when they checked, they found she
had actually broken a rib coughing. That is an unusual, but possible cause
of your pain.

> > Good advice. Thanks Dr Bob.
> >
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> irritated) may benefit from additional magnesium as well. Also, adding a
> little more water to your system on a regular basis can help.

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Derek Lawler - 09 Feb 2007 02:20 GMT

This afternoon I had a series of x-rays done of my rib cage. In a few days
I will know if any ribs got broken. Fortunately the coughing has stopped
due to my taking Hydromet syrup that has codeine in it. Very relaxing and
has stopped the coughing, so my muscles/ribs are healing now and the pain
has subsided. I am not wheezing any more either. I am still using Advair
100/50 twice daily.

Thanks for your responses.
Derek

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