It could be either, I think. You may have to do some serious thinking about what sort of pain it is. Very often the rib cage muscles get really sore because you've been coughing, or you might have strained them reaching for something. The pain can also be from the lining around the lungs, rather like pleurisy. If the pain isn't muscular, then you need to look elsewhere.

But to answer your original question, pain the the rib cage area is not generally associated with lung damage. It's not unusual for people to have pain there, but it's not caused by the COPD. It may be caused by some of the symptoms of COPD, such as coughing, but the COPD causes the cough and not the ensuing pain.

Since this is relatively new, I would call your pulmonologist and discuss it. It could be the beginning of an exacerbation.

My rib cage hurts every so often. Is it in the back or front of your body? If it is in your back, then I would go to the doctors to see if there is an infection. Hugs, Teresa

@A MyCOPDTeam Member, first off let me welcome you to the site. There are a lot of people who can answer some of your questions.

I don't have fibromyalgia, but do have 4th stage copd and I've had issues where it feels like my ribs are pulling away from my lungs, but not actually being crushed. If this does continue as I know it can be painful, I would definitely talk to your pulmonary Doc. Take care, stay strong, hugs!!

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

hope you are feeling better

@MyCOPDTeam users... .

Thank you all for your answers. I will definitely speak to my dr. about it.

Coughing hasn't been too bad, so I don't believe it is related to coughing at this time.

Wishing you all a very restful evening and a great day tomorrow.

Sending warm, gentle, healing hugs, love, peace and prayers.
God bless and keep you safe.
LaRosa

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

A MyCOPDT...

A MyCOPDT...