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What Causes Mild Pain And Click While Breathing After An Injury?
Question: I have broken a rib, the top one ,and now it clicks from time to time when I breath. Is this ok ?
Brief Answer:
Mild pain and click is acceptable but any breathlessness is a concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. I hope you have got your rib fracture confirmed on a X ray and there is no sign of lung injury or pneumothorax due to the rib injury.
2. A single rib fracture is left to heal by itself and usually recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks for the pain to subside.
3. If you are having mild pain with clicks when you breathe deeply then please take slow spontaneous breaths and avoid heavy breathing.
4. Mild pain relievers might be taken after food to make you feel comfortable.
5. Only if you feel breathless then it is a concern and you must consult your doctor immediately.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Mild pain and click is acceptable but any breathlessness is a concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. I hope you have got your rib fracture confirmed on a X ray and there is no sign of lung injury or pneumothorax due to the rib injury.
2. A single rib fracture is left to heal by itself and usually recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks for the pain to subside.
3. If you are having mild pain with clicks when you breathe deeply then please take slow spontaneous breaths and avoid heavy breathing.
4. Mild pain relievers might be taken after food to make you feel comfortable.
5. Only if you feel breathless then it is a concern and you must consult your doctor immediately.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer but please could tell me;
* what is happening to make the rib click?
* If it is moving can it heal?
* should I try to avoid the clicking happening?
Many thanks,
XXXXXXX
* what is happening to make the rib click?
* If it is moving can it heal?
* should I try to avoid the clicking happening?
Many thanks,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
The rib will heal even if moving gently with normal breathing
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The rib is attached to muscles and ligaments and there might be some friction at the ends of fractured ribs or the muscles in the area which are attached to the ribs. During slight movement a click sound is heard.
2. This movement is light in nature and does not affect healing. That is why it is suggested that you take gentle breaths and avoid heavy breathing. The healing has already started and can be seen on a X ray taken after 6 weeks from the rib injury.
3. Taking easy and slow breaths will reduce your pain and the clicking.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
The rib will heal even if moving gently with normal breathing
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The rib is attached to muscles and ligaments and there might be some friction at the ends of fractured ribs or the muscles in the area which are attached to the ribs. During slight movement a click sound is heard.
2. This movement is light in nature and does not affect healing. That is why it is suggested that you take gentle breaths and avoid heavy breathing. The healing has already started and can be seen on a X ray taken after 6 weeks from the rib injury.
3. Taking easy and slow breaths will reduce your pain and the clicking.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I just wondered if I should avoid wearing anything tight around the ribs ie should I avoid wearing a bra as it would sit over the broken rib.
Thank you again for you answers.
XXXXXXX
Thank you again for you answers.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Wearing loose and soft clothing will reduce your pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Please wear clothes that make you comfortable and reduce your pain. Please sleep on your back or in a sideways position with the affected side up.
2. You can stop wearing the underwire bra and go for a softer variety, probably using a sports bra during which is slightly comfortable will be fine for the next couple of months.
3. At the end of 3 months you can start wearing normal clothing again.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Wearing loose and soft clothing will reduce your pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Please wear clothes that make you comfortable and reduce your pain. Please sleep on your back or in a sideways position with the affected side up.
2. You can stop wearing the underwire bra and go for a softer variety, probably using a sports bra during which is slightly comfortable will be fine for the next couple of months.
3. At the end of 3 months you can start wearing normal clothing again.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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