I fell and hit my left rib cage pretty hard a little over a week ago. I was stunned but okay. Is it normal for it to hurt more after a few days? This week it s hurt to inhale deeply and to sit up from a lying down position ... also hurts to laugh but not so much that I d think anything is broken ... almost like muscle pulls. No visible bruise on skin. Mary Jo
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Causes of shortness of breath and chest pain after inhalation, in blunt chest trauma are1. Rib fracture.2. Muscular injury.3. Pneumothorax. 4. Pulmonary contusions. So chest x-ray is needed to rule out above things. So get done chest x-ray first. I think you are having muscle injury. Try to follow these.1. Avoid excessive movement on affected side.2. Avoid heavy weight lifting and heavy exertion.3. Take good painkillers and muscle relaxant.4. Apply warm water pad to the affected part.5. Avoid bad postures in sleep.6. Wear rib belt to avoid movement of painful segment.