What Causes Sudden Popping In The Ribs While Sneezing?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017

Question: I heard and felt a snap or pop in my ribs when I sneezed. Severe pain! Is it a bone or cartilage or just muscle. Can't cough or sneeze without excruciating pain. What do I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

One cant be sure if its a fractured rib unless an x ray of the chest involving the ribs is done. Go to an ER immediately and get the x ray done. Prolonged painful breathing can lead to atelectasis so the pain associated with breathing must be relieved. Take ibuprofen or any other NSAID available to you now and reach a hospital soon.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar