Hello. I have been having sharp pains when breathing. I think I may have bruised my sternum, but I m unsure. I was walking down a muddy hill, slipped, and fell on my butt. I haven t read anything that says you can bruise your sternum by falling that way, but my symptoms pretty much match. Any ideas?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. When you fell on your butt suddenly, there is definitely strong jerk in the chest and ribs. And this can cause pain on breathing. Possible complications are1. Rib injury2. Muscular injury3. Pulmonary contusions. So get done chest x-ray to rule out all these. If chest x-ray is normal than no need to worry much. You are having muscular pain mostly. So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep. 3. Avoid movement s causing pain. 4. Start good painkiller and muscle relaxant. 5. Apply warm water pad on affected site.