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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Hard Lump On The Rib Cage?

I recently was sick with bronchitis and coughed so much that by the second week my right rib suddenly started hurting after a coughing outbreak (the doctor didnt believe I had bronchitis and did not give me any antibiotics until a day or two after my right rib pain). The night I received my antibiotics I coughed and heard a slight pop sound. It has been about 2 weeks since the sudden rib pain; and I have a hard lump where the pain is. The lump is slightly tender to touch. There is no visible bruising. I feel constant pain during the whole day but it is not unbearable. I dont want to get xrays if its just a common bruising of the ribs. What is the most likely case that I have? Bruised, fractured, or cracked ribs? What is the major differentiation in pain between those and what is causing the hard lump on my right rib?
Mon, 6 Nov 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Excessive coughing can cause costochondritis because of straining of costal cartilage and ribs.
So pain and tender swelling at local chest area are mostly due costochondritis.
No need to worry for fractured rib and hence no need for chest x ray.
Honestly speaking, there is no such difference in treatment whether it is bruised rib or fractured rib or cracked rib.
Follow these steps and you will be alright in 1 - 2 weeks.
1. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid sudden jerky movements of chest.
2. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
3. Apply warm water pad on affected areas of chest.
4. Take painkiller and anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
5. Wear rib belt for minimal mobilization of ribs.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes A Hard Lump On The Rib Cage?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Excessive coughing can cause costochondritis because of straining of costal cartilage and ribs. So pain and tender swelling at local chest area are mostly due costochondritis. No need to worry for fractured rib and hence no need for chest x ray. Honestly speaking, there is no such difference in treatment whether it is bruised rib or fractured rib or cracked rib. Follow these steps and you will be alright in 1 - 2 weeks. 1. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid sudden jerky movements of chest. 2. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. 3. Apply warm water pad on affected areas of chest. 4. Take painkiller and anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 5. Wear rib belt for minimal mobilization of ribs. Don t worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.