I get crippiling pain (an 8 or 9 on the pain scale) whenever I have a hard cough.  The pain occurs between the collarbones and the first rib...right above my pectorals.  The pain lingers a good 2-3 minutes after I cough for any reason.  Is this something to be concerned about?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Your pain is considered as severe and significant because it is associated with coughing and lasts for 2-3 minutes. So possibility of lung Infection (pneumonia) is more. Pneumonia is known to cause pleuritic pain. So better to get done chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. If pneumonia is there than you need antibiotic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory Chat Doctor.  So better to rule out lung infection. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.