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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Pain With Breathing Trouble A Sign Of Broken Rib?

My husband fell of his truck on his back. He hit on his left side right under his should blade. He now is in quite a bit of pain, slight trouble breathing. Does it sound like he broke a rib? He will not go to the ER tonight but said he would call the doctor tomorrow.
Wed, 4 Feb 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation.
Your husband is having blunt chest trauma.
Following are the complications of blunt chest trauma which can lead to pain and breathing difficulty.
1. Rib fracture.
2. Pneumothorax
3. Pulmonary contusions.
4. Muscle injury.
So chest x ray is needed to rule out all these.
Rib fracture can be there. So get done chest x ray.
If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry for rib fracture and other serious complications.
Your husband is mostly having muscle injury.
So better to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid strenuous exercise.
2. Avoid heavyweight lifting.
3. Avoid movements causing pain and bad postures in sleep.
4. Start muscle relaxant and pain killer.
5. Apply warm water pad on affected site.
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Does Pain With Breathing Trouble A Sign Of Broken Rib?

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation. Your husband is having blunt chest trauma. Following are the complications of blunt chest trauma which can lead to pain and breathing difficulty. 1. Rib fracture. 2. Pneumothorax 3. Pulmonary contusions. 4. Muscle injury. So chest x ray is needed to rule out all these. Rib fracture can be there. So get done chest x ray. If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry for rib fracture and other serious complications. Your husband is mostly having muscle injury. So better to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid heavyweight lifting. 3. Avoid movements causing pain and bad postures in sleep. 4. Start muscle relaxant and pain killer. 5. Apply warm water pad on affected site.