Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have arthritis and take drugs that lower my immune system, I am getting over a bad bout of sinusitis which turned into a bad cold and productive racking cough. It  has lasted so far 16 days  and although my cold has just left a mild runny nose, my cough although a lot better wont go away, it is  still there but now my rib cage hurts when I cough or deep breathe. Will it go away on its own?
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Coughing and sneezing cause straining on ribs and intercostal muscles. So excessive coughing can cause musculoskeletal pain in ribs. Since your coughing and sneezing are improved, your pain will also improve gradually. So apply warm water pad on affected areas of chest. Take simple painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. You will mostly improve with all these in 4-5 days, if not improving then get done chest x-ray. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.