Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment For Chest Discomfort After Injury
I am 54 year old white f; weight 190, height 5'6". About 4 days ago I fell from a ledge in my backyard (about a 3 foot fall) onto the garden bed (not cement) basically on my L side. There was initial pain but no acute injury. The next day the chest pain was worse so my PCP sent me for xray of L chest multiple views; negative for fracture. Now, 4 days later I feel exhausted with minimal activity and have increasing chest discomfort as the day progresses. When I am supine, the discomfort is better. Am I being an alarmist and envisioning contusion of my lungs or pleura? When should I be concerned? When should I start to feel better? I am taking ibuprofen 400 mg q 4 and limiting activity as much as possible.
Mon, 13 Jun 2016
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
You are having blunt chest trauma. And most common complication after blunt chest trauma is musculoskeletal injury.
Since your chest x ray is normal, no need to worry for fracture rib or pneumothorax or pulmonary contusion.
Do following things for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid movements causing pain.
2. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
3. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
4. Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
5. Continue ibuprofen tablet.
You will mostly improve with all these in 1-2 weeks.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks
I can understand your concern.
You are having blunt chest trauma. And most common complication after blunt chest trauma is musculoskeletal injury.
Since your chest x ray is normal, no need to worry for fracture rib or pneumothorax or pulmonary contusion.
Do following things for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid movements causing pain.
2. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
3. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
4. Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
5. Continue ibuprofen tablet.
You will mostly improve with all these in 1-2 weeks.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Ibuprofen
Loading Online Doctors....