Cough fracture of the ribs

Cough-induced rib fracture and diaphragmatic rupture resulting in simultaneous abdominal visceral herniation into the left hemithorax and subcutaneously

“…The first mechanism is similar to that of stress fractures [4,5]. Namely, if a force is applied to an object, the stress causes deformation which, when it exceeds the elastic limit, results in inelastic deformation of the object, in this case the rib.…”

Sonographic appearance of a tear of the lateral internal oblique muscle resulting from cough

“…1 There are several reports in the literature on spontaneous intercostal lung herniations with intercostal muscle ruptures, 2,3 rib fractures, 4 and diaphragmatic ruptures. 1 However, reports of spontaneous tear or hematoma of the abdominal muscle induced by cough are rare.…”

Transient ischaemic attacks related to carotid stenosis precipitated by straining, bending, and sneezing

“…These mechanical and circulatory changes underlie the well-known medical hazards of sneezing, straining, and coughing. These include retinal detachment, conjunctival haemorrhage, mediastinal haemorrhage, syncope,9 surgical emphysema, vertigo and deafness from membrane rupture,10 rib fracture,11 prolapsed intervertebral discs, coronary artery spasm,12subarachnoid haemorrhage, headache,13 drop attacks in the presence of the Arnold-Chiari malformation,14 CSF rhinorrhoea,15 and pneumocephalus 16. The only benefit of sneezing, apart from defence of the airway,17appears to be the cure of hiccups which was known to Hippocrates 18…”