Should I Be Worried I Can’t Breathe, Stretch, Sneeze Or Cough Without My Ribs Hurting Badly?

Posted on Sat, 18 Jul 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 Answered on

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell off my bike on Thursday night, I fell into a post and hit my hip and ribs badly. I can’t breathe, stretch, sneeze or cough without my ribs hurting badly. I’ve tried taking paracetamol for the pain but it’s not working. I would like to know if I should get checked out.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may have broken any rib.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think you should get checked as soon as you can. I think you may have any broken rib which is causing the pain while breathing, coughing or sneezing.
I think you should do a x-ray to check for broken rib.
You can try to use ibuprofen for the pain because it may work better.
Use ice compresses on the trauma site.
Have rest and try a position which makes you feel less pain.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T