Hello...it sounds like your coughing spell may have led to a possible rib fracture. I think it may be what is causing this pain, but not 100% positive. It would be worthwhile to share this information with your primary care doctor as well. I saw that you are almost 65 and do you have osteopenia? That could also contribute to a potential rib fracture. Often rib x rays don't show a fracture but they might. If it is such it takes about six weeks to heal and it is a slow process meaning that one day the pain will become less annoying. I dont know what other medications you take but sometimes a tylenol or motrin (not all day long) may help to sleep at night; ice early on but I know it's cold out and/or a heating pad later after the first 48 hrs and obviously as you recover from bronchitis you will cough less. I also don't know if you have any bleeding disorder so another reason to check this out with your PCP. Thanks. dr M

Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, you can fracture a rib with coughing. Please see your doctor.