can you break a rib coughing?

[MORAY37]

I have had a fairly severe sinus/upper respiratory infection the past few days.  Last night, I went into a VERY severe coughing fit while I was in bed.  All of a sudden there was a sharp pain on my side, right over the last rib on my right.  Now, it has a dull ache constantly, and a sharp pain whenever i inhale.  It also hurts like HELL when I cough or sneeze.  Feels like someone stabbing me in my side.  Also, if I inhale deeply and run my finger over the spot, there is a small bump protruding.  Of course this HURTS LIKE HELL to do... as any pressure on the spot hurts, and breathing hurts.

Not sure if this is possible or not, and dont care for an E-room visit just to get laughed at.

Sol

Yes you can break a rib coughing.
No, there's nothing they can do with a broken rib other than tell you not to laugh or cough... then laugh at you.  You can tape it up and reduce the amount of travel per breath, reducing pain.

Yes, you should visit the doctor.  If you broke it right, you risk puncture and subsequent collapse of the lung, should you fall or be involved in any impact.  You also will be able to tolerate the break better if you get that infection taken care of, hence reducing your coughing, and therefore, your pain.  You don't want pneumonia over top of everything else.

Go to the doctor.

[FiLtH]

My guess?









Blood clot.

[Sol75]

Went to the doc... final report after urgent care visit, and follow up with family doc:
Cracked rib, strained muscle and cartilage, Pneumonia as underlying cause of cough.

On antibiotics for cough, muscle relaxers for strain, and percocet for pain.

Doc didnt wrap me, says I NEED to be able to do deep breathing excercises, or I risk lung collapse, and need to be able to cough to expel the fluid from pneumonia.  Bottom line, pain is manageable with the percs, still hurts to cough, but contant pain is gone.... as I said.. manageable...

Just gunna take some time.

Sol

[Marauding Conan]

I have had a fairly severe sinus/upper respiratory infection the past few days.  Last night, I went into a VERY severe coughing fit while I was in bed.  All of a sudden there was a sharp pain on my side, right over the last rib on my right.  Now, it has a dull ache constantly, and a sharp pain whenever i inhale.  It also hurts like HELL when I cough or sneeze.  Feels like someone stabbing me in my side.  Also, if I inhale deeply and run my finger over the spot, there is a small bump protruding.  Of course this HURTS LIKE HELL to do... as any pressure on the spot hurts, and breathing hurts.

Not sure if this is possible or not, and dont care for an E-room visit just to get laughed at.

Sol

See a doctor right away. I had the same problem. It has something to do with a muscle displaced/damaged. It gets more painfull over time.

[Curval]

Went to the doc... final report after urgent care visit, and follow up with family doc:
Cracked rib, strained muscle and cartilage, Pneumonia as underlying cause of cough.

On antibiotics for cough, muscle relaxers for strain, and percocet for pain.

Doc didnt wrap me, says I NEED to be able to do deep breathing excercises, or I risk lung collapse, and need to be able to cough to expel the fluid from pneumonia.  Bottom line, pain is manageable with the percs, still hurts to cough, but contant pain is gone.... as I said.. manageable...

Just gunna take some time.

Sol

I ended up with double pnemonia some years ago...breathing hurt like heck.

Two weeks later I felt well enough to try and have a cigarette...damn near broke a rib coughing after trying to do so.  Not smart.

Enjoy your percocet haze.

[WWhiskey]

patient: so doc what did you find out?


doc: well its sad to say but you only have ten to live!


patient: ten what ?


doc: nine, eight, seven, ect, ect