I have cramping/pain off and on on my left side -- halfway up my chest, under rib.   Ive had a bad cough for some time and when I cough hard it hurts, but sometimes I feel it when I dont cough.  Just wondering if it is something to be concerned with --
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Chest pain on coughing is classical sign of pleurisy (inflammation of pleura). And common causes for pleurisy are pneumonia, pleural effusion, tuberculosis etc. You are also having chronic bad cough. So better to first rule out all these conditions. So get done chest x-ray first. If this is normal than no need to worry about all these causes. You are mostly having musculoskeletal pain. So avoid strenuous exercise and heavyweight lifting. Avoid bad postures in sleep. Avoid movements causing pain. Start painkiller and muscle relaxant Chat Doctor.  Apply warm water pad on affected areas. Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.