question-icon

Can A Rib Injury Cause Chest Pain?

default
Posted on Sun, 17 Sep 2017
Twitter Sat, 16 Sep 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 9 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : Pain in my chest went to Dr. she said it was possible injury to where my ribs attache to sternum but said it should start getting better in a few days hasn't got worse but its not getting any better no change its bearable pain but I just what to make sure it's not serious
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (-5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

I understand your concern, and would like to have some more information on your chest pain characteristics:

- Is the pain triggered by deep breathing or body movements? This would be indicative of a musculo-skeletal pain (including costochondritis which has been suggested by your doctor).
- Is the pain triggered by eating or bending over? This could indicate possible gastro-esophageal reflux or gastritis.
- Is the pain triggered by straining physical activity and relieved by resting? This could indicate a possible heart issue.

Coming to this point, I would recommend trying Ibuprofen. If it helps improve your situation, this would be another argument in favor of costochondritis or any other musculo-skeletal pain.

If this does not help, I would recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole). If these drugs help improve your situation, it would indicate gastro-esophageal reflux or gastritis as the main cause of your complaints.

To conclude, if the chest pain still persists, despite the above trials, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible causes:

- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cardiac ultrasound.

An exercise cardiac stress test would be necessary in case of altered ECG or cardiac enzymes.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9504 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

174 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can A Rib Injury Cause Chest Pain?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome on HCM! I understand your concern, and would like to have some more information on your chest pain characteristics: - Is the pain triggered by deep breathing or body movements? This would be indicative of a musculo-skeletal pain (including costochondritis which has been suggested by your doctor). - Is the pain triggered by eating or bending over? This could indicate possible gastro-esophageal reflux or gastritis. - Is the pain triggered by straining physical activity and relieved by resting? This could indicate a possible heart issue. Coming to this point, I would recommend trying Ibuprofen. If it helps improve your situation, this would be another argument in favor of costochondritis or any other musculo-skeletal pain. If this does not help, I would recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole). If these drugs help improve your situation, it would indicate gastro-esophageal reflux or gastritis as the main cause of your complaints. To conclude, if the chest pain still persists, despite the above trials, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible causes: - a chest X ray study - complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation - a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes - a cardiac ultrasound. An exercise cardiac stress test would be necessary in case of altered ECG or cardiac enzymes. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri