Suggest Treatment For Rib Contusion

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

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

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 14 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell yesterday morning and slightly bruised my right ribcage. By 5 PM the pain was very difficult to handle. After driving home from work (20 Mins) I could barely get pout of the car. I had a 100.8 F fever. I took Advil PM and went to bed. This morning I was better but after driving to work I was in severe pain again. I returned home and took Advil PM again and propped myself in a chair which seemed to relieve some of the pain. Breathing in was very difficult. Pain travels to my right shoulder and back. Now at 5:45 PM The severe pain is back. I was diagnosed with Gallstones two months ago but this is higher. About the 5th rib up to the 7th rib up.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
possibility of rib contusion.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have read your query.
There is possibility of rib contusion due to fall.
This may lead to breathing difficulty.
I will advise you x ray chest and CT scan chest.
Till time take rest and high dose opioid analgesic consulting your doctor.
You may need blood investigation like CBC, ESR to see for infection.
You can use supportive rib belt.
local analgesic patch application will help for long time pain relief.
I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to answer. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D