Cough induced rib fracture, rupture of the diaphragm and abdominal herniation
2006

Cough Induced Rib Fracture and Diaphragm Rupture

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Andreas Hillenbrand, Doris Henne-Bruns, Peter Wurl

Primary Institution: Universitiy of Ulm, Department of Viszeral – and Transplantation surgery

Hypothesis

Can a severe cough lead to multiple injuries including rib fractures and diaphragm rupture?

Conclusion

The combination of a rib fracture, abdominal herniation, and diaphragm rupture due to coughing is a rare occurrence that has not been previously reported.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a chronic cough history and experienced a cough-related rib fracture.
  • A CT scan confirmed an intestinal obstruction due to massive herniation.
  • The surgical intervention successfully repaired the herniation without bowel resection.

Takeaway

Coughing really hard can sometimes hurt you in surprising ways, like breaking a rib and causing other injuries.

Methodology

Case report of a single patient with a chronic cough who experienced multiple injuries due to coughing.

Limitations

Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

59-year-old male with a history of chronic cough and hypertension.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1749-7922-1-34

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