Suggest treatment for severe ribcage pain while breathing
Patient: I have been having rib pain on my right side for 4 months. It is better then ever but still hurts when taking a deep breath and is slightly tender to touch. Previously it was very painful when. Lying down or taking a deep breath. It came on after a bad cough, doctor suspected fractured rib but X-ray showed nothing. He said it could still be a fracture. Can it take this long to heal , thanks Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Four months is too long, if it was rib fracture it should have healed by now.If the chest pain is disturbing your routine activity then repeat a chest x ray done to rule out any lung infection or it could be just a muscle pull. Do not lift heavy weights. Also get a ECG done just to rule any cardiac cause.Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.