Spontaneous Lung Herniation From a Stubborn Cough

Spontaneous intercostal herniation of the lung (SLIH) is a rare effect of a stubborn cough characterized by protrusion of the lung parenchyma through the thoracic wall. With varying presentations from chest pain and haemoptysis to severe respiratory distress, SLIH often goes overlooked as a potential differential and has no set gold standard of diagnosis or treatment. Here, a middle-aged male with minimal risk factors developed an anterolateral left lung herniation between the 7th and 8th ribs requiring surgical repair. Early recognition via computed topography (CT) and operative management may reduce the significant morbidity and potential complications associated with SLIH.