What Causes a Muscle Spasm in the Rib Cage When Coughing?

What Causes a Muscle Spasm in the Rib Cage When Coughing?

1. Introduction A muscle spasm in the rib cage when coughing is predominantly caused by an acute strain or fatigue of the intercostal muscles, which are forcefully recruited during the violent expiratory phase of a cough. When a respiratory illness induces severe or chronic coughing, the repetitive mechanical overload placed on the thoracic cage can … Read more