What Causes Sharp Pain Below Ribs And Aggravation Of Pain On Cough Post Injury?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jul 2015

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

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 Answered on

Thu, 6 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Tuesday 7/14 I fell forward on my hands and knees. I was ok to walk, put some band-aids on, and went on to SF. Later that evening, I experienced a sharp pain in my right side, just below the ribs. I wondered if I had perhaps broken or cracked a rib in the fall (onto a sidewalk). I called Kaiser at 2:30AM and decided not to go in Wednesday day, cos it felt better. This AM, Thursday, I even did all my exercises, and felt fine, until lunch, when I tried to cough, I couldn't, for the pain. My breathing is fine, however. Last night when I felt a spot just below the rib, there was a sharp pain where I touched.

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Musculo-skeletal injury; X ray chest will be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to musculo-skeletal injury, secondary to the fall. Localization of pain below the rib and aggravation of pain on cough are suggestive of that. It is almost impossible to rule out fractures without X-rays and clinical examination. Therefore if the pain is hurting badly, it is ideal that you visit a doctor for thorough examination and obtain X-ray chest.

Symptomatic relief can be obtained by application of ice, analgesic & muscle relaxant gel, intake of analgesics like Diclofenac + Serratiopeptidase (to be taken after food) and Pantoprazole (to be taken 30 minutes before meals).
Supplements of Calcium & Vitamin D can be included in your diet which will help in strengthening of bones.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Maintain adequate hydration & nutrition status, take proper rest and avoid stress.

Wishing a Good Health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad