Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Popping Sound In Ribcage Followed By Swelling And Pain?
I was leaning out of our Hot tub tonight trying to reach the towel warmer. When I felt a pop in my rib cage. There was some pain. Then as time went on it hurt more. There is some swelling over the area and the pain goes around from the front to the back of the rib cage. Will it be ok on its own or to I need to have it looked at? It hurts to laugh and to deep breath. I m not looking forward to trying to sleep tonight.
Mon, 29 Jun 2020
Hello,
* As per my clinical experience, the maneuver of injury while leaning out of hot tub with popping sound in rib cage, hurting to laugh and deep breath indicates possible injury to rib in form of hair line crack or fracture.
* The external swelling is in form of hematoma, but sole hematoma does not provoke pain while coughing or laughing.
Guidelines for better recovery
- local application of ice 3 times a day
- use of tablet ibuprofen ( 400 mg ) 4 times a day after meals with antacid after meals
- spray of diclofenac with linseed oil and capsaicin to the swelled up area
- discuss need of an x-ray chest with your primary care physician next morning. Do feel free to discuss further regarding the same.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
* As per my clinical experience, the maneuver of injury while leaning out of hot tub with popping sound in rib cage, hurting to laugh and deep breath indicates possible injury to rib in form of hair line crack or fracture.
* The external swelling is in form of hematoma, but sole hematoma does not provoke pain while coughing or laughing.
Guidelines for better recovery
- local application of ice 3 times a day
- use of tablet ibuprofen ( 400 mg ) 4 times a day after meals with antacid after meals
- spray of diclofenac with linseed oil and capsaicin to the swelled up area
- discuss need of an x-ray chest with your primary care physician next morning. Do feel free to discuss further regarding the same.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....