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What Should Be Done For Having Sharp Pain In Sternum Area And Having Trouble While Breathing Which Started After Falling From A Tree?
my son fell out of a tree swing, flipped and landed on the top of his back/neck area.. flat.. the wind was knocked out of him.. and he is having trouble taking a deep breath, with sharp pain in the sternum area. It also hurts to raise his arms. He is an athlete, age 13. We have ice on the top of the neck area. His eyes aren't dilated, but he has a headache. We don't have insurance and we're worried. We just gave him 2 Ibuprofen.
Tue, 17 Dec 2013
Hi
It does appear that your son has injured his ribs in the area where they join the sternum. THis happens in children even if they fall on their backs, as the ribs are very supple and there is a 'whiplash'effect. Generally, if it is a single rib injury, it will get better with time, needing pain killers for a few days. If the pain does not settle, or if he has breathing difficulties. he will need to see an emergency physician. All the best.
It does appear that your son has injured his ribs in the area where they join the sternum. THis happens in children even if they fall on their backs, as the ribs are very supple and there is a 'whiplash'effect. Generally, if it is a single rib injury, it will get better with time, needing pain killers for a few days. If the pain does not settle, or if he has breathing difficulties. he will need to see an emergency physician. All the best.
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