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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Severe Pain In Left Side With History Of Broken Rib Indicate?

I am having severe pain in my left side .On my rib cage and it goes down. I have always slept on my left side ,but no longer can due to the discomfort. About 16-18 years ago I had a place come up that they said was scare tissue from where my rib could have been broken in the past. They went in and said they removed scare tissue and scraped away bone. What do you think?
Thu, 18 Jun 2020
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Left sided chest pain can be due to various reasons.One of the common reason is heart related problems (angina, pericarditis, myocarditis- inflammation). However, even digestive system problems(gastritis,acid reflux, esophagitis can cause these symptoms).Chest pain can definately be due to some muscle strain or trauma or fractured ribs.Fractured ribs can take weeks to months to recover( injury which is 16-18 years back is less likely).

Sometimes lung problems(like infections) or even stress,and anxiety can cause these symptoms. I feel that take care of your diet -take plenty of water and avoid spicy and oily food and watch for your posture.You can even take some pain killers. However if the symptoms persist then do go for some investigations like complete blood count, FBS, calcium, vitamin D and chest X-ray (chest X-ray will clarify any rib pathology also). This will help to plan proper treatment.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Milinda Gupta, Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Could Severe Pain In Left Side With History Of Broken Rib Indicate?

Hi, Left sided chest pain can be due to various reasons.One of the common reason is heart related problems (angina, pericarditis, myocarditis- inflammation). However, even digestive system problems(gastritis,acid reflux, esophagitis can cause these symptoms).Chest pain can definately be due to some muscle strain or trauma or fractured ribs.Fractured ribs can take weeks to months to recover( injury which is 16-18 years back is less likely). Sometimes lung problems(like infections) or even stress,and anxiety can cause these symptoms. I feel that take care of your diet -take plenty of water and avoid spicy and oily food and watch for your posture.You can even take some pain killers. However if the symptoms persist then do go for some investigations like complete blood count, FBS, calcium, vitamin D and chest X-ray (chest X-ray will clarify any rib pathology also). This will help to plan proper treatment. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Milinda Gupta, Internal Medicine Specialist