What should you know about flank pain when coughing?

Coughing contracts the muscles between the ribs and around the abdomen. Repeated or forceful coughing can irritate these tissues, causing a sharp twinge that is worse with a cough, deep breath, twist, or touch. A respiratory infection can add soreness, fever, or mucus. Pain that is deep, constant, unrelated to movement, or accompanied by urinary symptoms may have another source, such as a kidney stone, kidney infection, or urinary tract infection. Flank pain itself does not identify which condition is present.

Support the painful area with your hand or a pillow when coughing, rest from heavy lifting, and drink fluids normally unless a clinician has advised otherwise. Treat the cough according to advice from a pharmacist or clinician, especially if you have asthma, are pregnant, or take other medicines. Arrange an assessment if pain lasts after the cough improves, keeps worsening, or makes breathing or movement difficult.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pressure, blue lips, coughing blood, faintness, confusion, or sudden severe pain. Seek prompt care for high fever, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine alongside flank pain.

Could the cough or chest wall explain this pain? Do I need an examination of my lungs, back, or urine? Which breathing changes require urgent help?