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Severe Back Injury, Rib Fractures, Basal Atelectasis. Prescribed Painkillers. Cure?
Hello, I fell on my back, from a standing position, onto a solid teak table which broke in two. The investigation revealed posterior rib fractures , basal atelectasis, and basal consolidation. The only treatment offered me is painkillers (tradamol, paracetamol & stemetil). Nothing was mentioned about antibiotics to treat any infection. I am completely in the dark and very worried. What do I do?
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
Do you have fever/ cough with sputum production/ breathlessness?
Are you suffering from pneumonia yet now or before chest injury?
Basal atelectasis and consolidation is a radiological findings and it appears to be post injury contusion in lungs.
You should again consult with your treating doctor and go for thorough examination of chest.
Basal atelectasis may be localized hemothorax along with large contusion.
If you don't have fever then it will treat with time and you have to continue prescribed pain killers.
Rib fracture gets cured itself with time.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
There is no other treatment for rib fractures than pain killer. Antibiotics are not necessary if no signs of airways infection. Such fractures can heal even 4 weeks so you need to be patient. The only thing I would change is a type of painkiller. In bones and muscles pains, the best one is Diclophenac.
Hi, welcome to HCM.
Changes in lung are post traumatic. It will resolved in few days. Your matter of concern is quite logical. They must prescribe antibiotics .consult your physician regarding the same.
If they are have different plan of action then you will came to know that. Otherwise ask for antibiotics.
Hope i have answered your query.
Regards.
Hi rivkian ! Ok take medicine, don't try to lift objects. Now as weather is cold do warm compress to affected part. Don't do exercise, if it hurt in walking try spine supporter. If you sit, sit with spine straight in normal position. Take rest soon things heal. Be safe. Bye.
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Severe Back Injury, Rib Fractures, Basal Atelectasis. Prescribed Painkillers. Cure?
Hi, Thanks for posting your query. Do you have fever/ cough with sputum production/ breathlessness? Are you suffering from pneumonia yet now or before chest injury? Basal atelectasis and consolidation is a radiological findings and it appears to be post injury contusion in lungs. You should again consult with your treating doctor and go for thorough examination of chest. Basal atelectasis may be localized hemothorax along with large contusion. If you don t have fever then it will treat with time and you have to continue prescribed pain killers. Rib fracture gets cured itself with time. Take care, Dr. Mayank Bhargava