A case of cough induced rib fracture with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax
W N A Shukri1, V H Ng2, A K Ismail2
1Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. wannoraida@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Coughing is an important reflex mechanism which enhances the clearance of secretions and particulates from the airways, however repetitive muscle strain due to prolonged coughing may cause the uncommon complication of stress fracture of the ribs. The following is an unusual case of cough induced multiple rib fractures associated with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax which was missed in the emergency setting. Delayed diagnosis and treatment would have been avoided if this uncommon condition was considered as a possibility.
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