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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Fractured Ribs Along With Breathing Difficulty And Pain. Will Steroid Help To Cure Atelectasis?

I fractured ribs (6-8) 9 days ago and had some increased difficulty breathing and pain six days later. The dr. ordered a follow up chest x-ray which shows atelectasis of the left lung base. He has not responded to tell me how to treat this. As I also have a history of asthma, I'm wondering if I should start taking the steroid long acting inhaler as well as the albuterol that he had instructed me to use routinely when I first fractured my ribs.
Thu, 16 Apr 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Rib fracture causes paradoxical respiration in that particular segment.
So that part of the lung becomes poorly ventilated and thus atelectesis occur.
In atectesis chances of infection are high, so better not to take steroid.
Instead of steroid, you should take anti inflammatory, mucosa tickets drugs.
And wear rib belt to avoid mobilisation of fractured segments. This will fasten the recovery and healing.
Also apply warm water pad on affected site for pain relief.
It will take at least 3-4 weeks for healing of fracture rib.
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Having Fractured Ribs Along With Breathing Difficulty And Pain. Will Steroid Help To Cure Atelectasis?

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Rib fracture causes paradoxical respiration in that particular segment. So that part of the lung becomes poorly ventilated and thus atelectesis occur. In atectesis chances of infection are high, so better not to take steroid. Instead of steroid, you should take anti inflammatory, mucosa tickets drugs. And wear rib belt to avoid mobilisation of fractured segments. This will fasten the recovery and healing. Also apply warm water pad on affected site for pain relief. It will take at least 3-4 weeks for healing of fracture rib.