Question 1

can a rib fracture puncture a lung?

Accepted Answer

Can, not commone: Most rib fractures are relatively minor and
will heal on their own over time 
you might just need some rest and pain meds
until it heals over 6-8 weeks
but some severe rib fractures with displacement can cause lung injuries and 
would obviously need much more elaborate
treatments for the lung problems.

Question 2

my daughter, about 35 pounds, walked on my ribs.would it hurt if i had a broken rib or did something to my lungs? because i feel okay.

Accepted Answer

Rib fracture=pain: If you had fractured a rib: you would know it! 
you would have moderate -severe pain exacerbated by movement, cough, and deep breathing.

Question 3

can a broken rib cause a collapsed lung? i fell and broke a rib. am i in danger of getting a collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Yes, : Yes, rib fractures can result in a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. People who fall and break their ribs typically develop multiple rib fractures, rather than just a single rib. The jagged edges of the fractured ribs can disrupt the lining of the lungs (pleura) and can.

Question 4

broken rib, bruised lung.  prescribed percocet &  methocarbamol.   should i take together or alternate?  time intervals?

Accepted Answer

Discuss w/ Dr: The Dr who prescribed is the right one to provide these directions as well as other questions you may have about side effects and effectiveness - what to do and what to avoid in detail. I hope it heals well!

Question 5

what are the symptoms of a collapsed lung. symptoms of a rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath: Symptoms of collapsed lung is usually difficulty in breathing that is usually quite severe. Symptoms of broken ribs is severe pain and tenderness in ribs that is increasing with inspiration, coughing, sneezing, laughing and moving.

Question 6

iv had chesty cough for five weeks pain in chest and breast i had a chest xray bout 8 weeks ago for broken rib and lungs wwrw fine should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

See Dr.: A cough with associated assumed "pleuritic chest pain, " that has persisted for eisght weeks, should be evaluated by a dr.  Best wishes.

Question 7

i have a healing 9th rib fracture which is very painful, a lump under my armpit after my covid vaccine which give in the wrong spot, im an rn. waiting for an us of armpit and right breast. also a right basilar fibrosis in my right lung? thoughts ?

Accepted Answer

: It will take a while for the rib fracture to completely heal and taking ibuprofen will likely help. The lump in the armpit is likely a lymph node that will hopefully get better over time. If the scarring in your lung is only at the base, you should have fairly normal pulmonary function tests but that is something that would be helpful to know for sure. So, you can see a lung doctor for that.

Question 8

my husband was playing basketball last week and was elbowed in the chest. its been a dull pain all week but this morning when he sneezed, he heard a snapping sound. if/when should he see a doctor? he is able to breathe normally.

possible broken rib

Accepted Answer

Possible: It is possible, but I would recommend using a heating pad and Motrin. Imaging may be obtained to rule out a fracture, but from the nature of the injury it is more likely to be musculo skeletal pain.

Question 9

i have had a ct of the chest in er and was told i have several fractures to my ribs. one acute rib fracture and several healed,and  chronic rib fractu?

Accepted Answer

Underlying problems?: Multiple rib fractures over time are concerning for problems with the bones (osteoporosis, cancer in the ribs, poor nutrition), or repeat trauma. Repeat trauma can be related to frequent falls from a neurologic condition, chronic alcoholism, or abuse. Proper evaluation of the possible causes of repeat rib fractures requires addressing numerous factors, which could be handled by a family physician.

Question 10

after car crash had chest xray and was told it was a fractured rib. next i read the radiology report: "may" show rib fracture. so much pain... "may?!"

Accepted Answer

Rib fracture: Agree that ambiguous wording in a report is sometimes not so helpful, radiologists need to avoid the temptation.  However, sometimes the findings are subtle or equivocal, or seen only on one view.  The radiologist might think there is a rib fx, but is not 100% certain, and reports it that way.  The clinician has the benefit of examining you and knowing where you hurt, the radiologist usually not.

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Doctor answers about:

Can a broken rib puncture a lung

A member asked:

Can a rib fracture puncture a lung?

A member asked:

My daughter, about 35 pounds, walked on my ribs.would it hurt if i had a broken rib or did something to my lungs? because i feel okay.

A member asked:

Can a broken rib cause a collapsed lung? i fell and broke a rib. am i in danger of getting a collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Broken rib, bruised lung. prescribed percocet & methocarbamol. should i take together or alternate? time intervals?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of a collapsed lung. symptoms of a rib fracture?

A member asked:

Iv had chesty cough for five weeks pain in chest and breast i had a chest xray bout 8 weeks ago for broken rib and lungs wwrw fine should i be worried?

A member asked:

I have a healing 9th rib fracture which is very painful, a lump under my armpit after my covid vaccine which give in the wrong spot, im an rn. waiting for an us of armpit and right breast. also a right basilar fibrosis in my right lung? thoughts ?

A member asked:

My husband was playing basketball last week and was elbowed in the chest. its been a dull pain all week but this morning when he sneezed, he heard a snapping sound. if/when should he see a doctor? he is able to breathe normally. possible broken rib

A member asked:

I have had a ct of the chest in er and was told i have several fractures to my ribs. one acute rib fracture and several healed,and chronic rib fractu?

A member asked:

After car crash had chest xray and was told it was a fractured rib. next i read the radiology report: "may" show rib fracture. so much pain... "may?!"

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