Do I need to see a doctor again?

[Hiits]

I am based in the UK and 2 weeks ago I fell down the stairs. I got checked at the hospital and they suspected fractured ribs but didn’t do a x-ray. I also have a concussion.

For the last 2 days the pain has become worse and I keep breathing small breaths which I feel like are tiring my out, I feel like I am doing short in and out breathes and it feels heavy. It’s a strange feeling. my partner hasn’t noticed anything about my breathing but I can feel it.

Is this anything to be concerned about?

It’s an urgent problem. Call 111

Get to a and e!

There's a list of symptoms that should go straight to A&E, and difficulty breathing is one of them.

I did this some years ago and cracked a vertebrae and a rib. It was scary as it hurt every time I drew a deep breath or moved the wrong way. I walked like John Wayne for about a month and the gym was a complete no-go.

I was x-rayed so if you haven't been, see your GP for that. Don't expect much more however as you just have to be patient and take it easy til it heals.

Potential for pneumonia, seek medical advice.

It definitely sounds like you need an x-ray - do you live near a minor injuries unit as you'd probably get an x-ray done quicker than in A&E - I was in and out of my local MIU today in 1.5 hours and that included triage, x-ray and treatment.

This is the A&E criteria for breathing difficulties:

• you have severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or not able to get words out
• your chest feels tight or heavy
• you have pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck and jaw
• your lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands
• you feel suddenly confused

If you recognise those symptoms then A&E, if you are unsure then 111 can take you through a telephone triage and recommend from there.

Sorry, edited due to typos because I'm typing with a double broken thumb! When I was in MIU earlier there was a guy in there with suspected fractured ribs and he got seen very quickly and had an x-ray then and there. (We were nattering away, I wasn't being a nosy cow!) Hope you get the care you need and feel better very soon.

It's scary how many people's first point of medical advice is Mumsnet and not 111

I think you should go to A&E. Do you have an out of hours place you can go to?