Feels like coughing tore muscle

Last night about 2:30 A.M. I was awakened by a bout of coughing and in the middle of it all, I felt something "pop" where the 2nd or third rib below the sternum meets the cartilage, resulting in extreme agony. Prior to this, there was no pain whatsoever. Now any time I tighten my abdominals, i feel this intense pain, which means it really hurts to even blow my nose or sit upright. The only relief i get is by strapping a belt around my chest with a thickly folded washcloth placed under the belt over the point of pain.

This is not the first time this same scenario has played itself out, but definitively the worst. Has anyone else had this happen? and if so is there a name to it or a treatment? My wife and I are full-time RVrs and not near a medical facility.

Like Lulicious said you probably broke some ribs and that can really hurt.
I had Pneumonia a year ago and broke 2 ribs coughing, so please get
into your primary care doctor or if you have a pain management doctor,
see that doctor first and maybe they can increase or put you on some
pain medications that will help better....they don't strap the ribs anymore
but the rib belts can be found at pharmacies and do help like your already have,
but don't wear it all the time, it'll be bad to wear the belt all the time...
also try to lightly apply some ice, freeze a wet wash cloth in a big baggie
and use that for some help....many well wishes to you and I hope you
heal fast it took me months to get over the cracked ribs. ( about 6-7 months)