MY HUSBAND HAD DEVELOPED A BAD COUGH, AND FELT A SHARP PAIN ON HIS LEFT LOWER SIDE, THEN FELT A CLICK IN THE SAME SPACE, NOW HE HAS A HUGE BRUISE THE SIZE OF A BASKETBALL ON HIS LEFT TORSO ALMOST TO HIS STOMACH AND IS IN VERY MUCH PAIN. HE SAYS HE DID NOT FALL SO HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED, OR WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED?
Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Vigorous coughing can cause straining on ribs and intercostal muscles. This can lead to inflammation and swelling. So possibility of musculoskeletal swelling is more likely. But better to get done ECG and chest X-ray to rule out heart and lung diseases. If both these are normal then no need to worry much. Apply warm water pad on affected areas. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid sudden jerky movements of chest. Take painkiller and muscle relaxant Chat Doctor.  Don't worry, he will be alright with all these.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.