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What Causes Difficulty Breathing And Whistling During Breathing Post Car Accident?
Question: Had a head on car crash 3 days ago where was taken into hospital with chest pain. X-rays showed no fractures but last few days been breathing bit more restricted causing cough and pain to chest. Also makes me feel little light headed pain is left side ribs and centre top of chest. I know there is always bruising and that would have a big effect but wheezing/ whistling when breath still. Left shoulder blade also painful. When i turn my neck left and right the front top centre of chest is sore feeling like burning/tearing sensation
Brief Answer:
Need to meet the orthopedician again
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query
The symptoms of the query are suggetsive of 2 possiblities
1. flail rib- the broken edges of the rib start to damage the lung tissue and cause symptoms like chest pain, coughing, restricted breathing pattern. This makes the blood a little low on oxygen causing lightheadedness. It needs a STRAPPING of the ribs by the orthopedician. Strapping is now considered outdated, but it is the best treatment for flail ribs.
2. damage to the vertebral column causing nerve compression leading to referred pain in different regions like scapula along with pain on movement as the nerves are stuck in the bones. This has to be confirmed by an MRI of the spine. Depending on the level of damage, the orthopedician can treat you further.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Need to meet the orthopedician again
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query
The symptoms of the query are suggetsive of 2 possiblities
1. flail rib- the broken edges of the rib start to damage the lung tissue and cause symptoms like chest pain, coughing, restricted breathing pattern. This makes the blood a little low on oxygen causing lightheadedness. It needs a STRAPPING of the ribs by the orthopedician. Strapping is now considered outdated, but it is the best treatment for flail ribs.
2. damage to the vertebral column causing nerve compression leading to referred pain in different regions like scapula along with pain on movement as the nerves are stuck in the bones. This has to be confirmed by an MRI of the spine. Depending on the level of damage, the orthopedician can treat you further.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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