I've had a horrible cough for the past two weeks. In

It sounds as though it is related to pleurisy which is fluid buildup on the lining of the lungs which can be very painful. The pain increases by breathing, coughing, or chest movement. The pain can be controlled by anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin and you should also take some Robitussin DM for coughs and chest congestion to help eliminate the cough which is causing the pain to increase. If the pain continues or becomes worse you will need to be seen for a round of antibiotics and some pain relief as well.

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So you don't think this is an issue with the muscle over my rib or the actual rib itself? last night was unbearable with how much it hurts under my breast right on the rib. My cough appears to have changed in the past two days now. I'm coughing up a large amount of tan phlegm if I'm able to take a deep enough breath. Mostly I want to know how to tell the difference between a muscle tear/strain and a cracked or bruised rib.

If you have not fallen or injured yourself since the pain started it does sound more related to pleurisy then a muscle or a rib issue. The way to tell the difference in a muscle related issue or a bone related issue is there would be bruising or swelling if it could be related to the rib, it if is a pulling type of pain thenit could be more related to a muscle but from everything you indicate with the cough and all it sounds more like fluid on your lungs which will cause the exact type of pain you are describing.

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