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What Causes Painful Breathing Post Injury?

Posted on Sat, 23 Aug 2014

Question: I was kicked in the upper chest between my breast two nights ago. It hurts to touch,at night its hard to breathe on my side and back. it still hurts the same as two days ago.I think its where the sternum is? should I be seen?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Try pain medications first! Likely not broken..

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to you and the pain you have reported. From the information you have provided, this is blunt trauma to the chest. Soft tissues as well as bone could be injured. However, even bone lesions of the chest need no special attention beyond appropriate pain management as they are hardly operated on. Your description makes it likely that it needs no surgical attention.

If I may ask, how bad is this pain on a scale of 0-10? For now, a trial of Ibuprofen and Tylenol would help. If these fail to control the pains, then you would need to be seen by a doctor for more potent pain medications that can only be gotten through a prescription.

In all, there is no life threatening lesion and surgery would be likely not indicated. Treatment consists in adequate pain management and rest. If the above pain medications are not potent enough, then a visit to your prescribing doctor would be able to provide a prescription for more potent pain medications. There is no need going to the ER right now.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

THank you for answering.. The pain is beyond a 10,and not getting better. My primary care is pretty far and I have no transportation.If i was to go to the e.r. or my physician,would I require a chest x-ray, or a cat scan? Because the pain is severe and inside where I cannot physically see. What do you think? Thank you so much Doctor....-DId I mention there is a lump,deformity,tender to touch?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
With a lump deformity...pain more than 10...

Detailed Answer:
Please, seek immediate medical attention. The intensity of your pain and the notion of a tender deformity changes the entire picture. I will recommend that you go right away to the nearest ER.

Testing would always start with an X-ray and if the information is not conclusive enough, you would be recommended to get more detailed testing like CT scan.

I wish you well. Please, go to the nearest ER for help!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thankyou, i appreciate your answers... I will go to the e.r. in the morning,as I have a 3 year old and cannot make it tonight. I can breathe ok,so as long as im not in grave danger,I will go as early as possible.. I'm thankful for your insight into this matter,and appreciative of your work. I will inform and update you on my condition,as to help other patients who might have this similiar problem. Thank you so much......-XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you so much for your kind words.

Keep me updated as you make the journey to the hospital tomorrow. It would be nice so as to help many others in future with your feedback.

I wish you well and look forward hearing from you.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar