ELI5 Coughing - can you really fracture a rib just by coughing?

What makes a cough dry? What goes on in your body when you cough? Why does a drink of water help with a cough? Can people in a coma cough? Can you really fracture a rib just by coughing?   ... We explain like i'm five!   Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: a6zj6, hblovesmicro, medic_228, simmep, whiteman90909, evo180x, gnonthgol, hintoflime and cymbal_king. To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Send us an e-mail: [email protected]