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Suggest Treatment For Sharp Pain Below Sternum After Rib Injury
Question: Hi... my husband has a broken rib on his upper right side. He is complaining of sharp pains in the center below his breast bone.
Brief Answer:
The pain seems to be due to gastroesophageal reflux
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I am sorry to know about the present condition of your husband. Pain from a broken rib can be due to irritation of the pleura (outer covering of the lung that separates it from the chest cavity). However, please check if the position is consistent with the location of the fracture. I do not think that the pain that you are describing is due to the broken rib. Instead, based on its location, it seems that the pain is due to gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux.
You need to ask him to take prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast. Antacids (OTC) may be suitably used alongside. The meals should be small but frequent. Plenty of fluids need to be taken. Spicy food needs to be avoided.
Hope that helps.
Regards
The pain seems to be due to gastroesophageal reflux
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I am sorry to know about the present condition of your husband. Pain from a broken rib can be due to irritation of the pleura (outer covering of the lung that separates it from the chest cavity). However, please check if the position is consistent with the location of the fracture. I do not think that the pain that you are describing is due to the broken rib. Instead, based on its location, it seems that the pain is due to gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux.
You need to ask him to take prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast. Antacids (OTC) may be suitably used alongside. The meals should be small but frequent. Plenty of fluids need to be taken. Spicy food needs to be avoided.
Hope that helps.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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