COUGH-INDUCED RIB FRACTURES DURING PNEUMONIA: A DIAGNOSTIC PITFALL IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE - A CASE REPORT

Cough-induced rib fractures are a rare but probably underdiagnosed complication of persistent cough, particularly in the context of respiratory infections. We report the case of a 52-year-old man presenting with persistent chest pain in the context of pneumonia, in whom the final diagnosis was multiple bilateral rib fractures secondary to prolonged coughing. This case highlights a common diagnostic pitfall in emergency medicine, where chest pain is often attributed solely to pulmonary pathology. Computed tomography plays a crucial role in diagnosis, especially when chest radiography is inconclusive. Early diagnosis allows for appropriate pain management and the prevention of respiratory complications.