Where is my tooth? A case of multiple cough-induced rib fracture

Saria Tasnim MD, Muhammad Ali Anees MD, Thien Vo MD

ABSTRACT

Rib fractures can occur from cough in patients with osteoporosis, malignancy, or renal disease. In absence of these risk factors, it is a rare event with only few case reports. Our patient had persistent and forceful cough secondary to probable aspiration of foreign body leading to rib fractures. Such cases of refractory cough should always be reviewed thoroughly to evaluate and treat any potential reversible causes.

Keywords: Cough, foreign body, rib fracture

Article citation: Tasnim S, Anees MA, Vo T. Where is my tooth? A case of multiple cough-induced rib fracture. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles 2022;10(43):40–42
From: Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
Submitted: 1/13/2022
Accepted: 4/3/2022
Conflicts of interest: none
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