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What Causes Feeling Of Bubbles On The Side Of Broken Ribs?
Question: I have 3 cracked ribs. I was in the ER on Monday. Today when I am laying down and breath in I feel like I have bubbles on the side I have the cracked ribs. Is this normal?
Brief Answer:
Subcutaneous emphysema
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns. You had 3 broken ribs last Monday and today you noticed bubbles on the side you broke the ribs. Does this feel like rice crispies? If it is then you have a punctured lung and now air collecting under the skin. this is called subcutaneous emphysema. The air under the skin will gradually resolve on its own but what is more important is whether you are having any breathing problems. If you are at all short of breath or wheezing then I recommend you be seen by your doctor and have repeat x-rays to determine if you have a punctured lung. The puncture can be very small and not require any additional interventions but if it significant you may need to have your lung re-expanded.
In summary
1. Subcutaneous emphysema or air beneath the skin
2. Punctured lung
3. repeat CXR to determine to what extent the lung is punctured
4. if puncture small it will heal on its own
5. if large puncture with shortness of breath then may need re-inflation.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions. You may contact me again if you have any additional questions or comments
Subcutaneous emphysema
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns. You had 3 broken ribs last Monday and today you noticed bubbles on the side you broke the ribs. Does this feel like rice crispies? If it is then you have a punctured lung and now air collecting under the skin. this is called subcutaneous emphysema. The air under the skin will gradually resolve on its own but what is more important is whether you are having any breathing problems. If you are at all short of breath or wheezing then I recommend you be seen by your doctor and have repeat x-rays to determine if you have a punctured lung. The puncture can be very small and not require any additional interventions but if it significant you may need to have your lung re-expanded.
In summary
1. Subcutaneous emphysema or air beneath the skin
2. Punctured lung
3. repeat CXR to determine to what extent the lung is punctured
4. if puncture small it will heal on its own
5. if large puncture with shortness of breath then may need re-inflation.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions. You may contact me again if you have any additional questions or comments
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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