What causes pain while breathing after an injury?
Patient: i fell on the ground & for a second couldnt breathe but after that i was fine the next day i started feeling pain where my ribs are i only really feel it when i take a deep breathe yawn or sneeze is this a bruise fracture or break & will this be able to heal on its own & how long will it take Doctor: Hello,  As with the history to clear the confusion out whether it is a bruise or a fracture of the rib, a simple chest x-ray will be good enough. If it was a big fracture there might be much more changes. Any direct injury to the rib cage can lead to pain and difficulty in breathing, sneezing and coughing.  Most rib fractures, if they are hairline, heals on its own, but x-ray will be a good choice still to take it for safer side. Also, whenever you are sneezing, yawning, or doing deep breathing, I will advise you to put the hand over the painful area so the pain doesn't increase.  In my clinical practice of over 12 years, most rib fracture cases or pain in ribs due to falling recover well with conservative therapy and preventive measures.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist