My nephew got hit in the chest really hard while playing football is short of breath and cant talk but when asked if he is ok or needs to go to the doctor he shakes his head that he is ok and doesnt want to go to the doctor that he will be ok.  Should we insist that he goes anyway or just keep an eye on him? He writes on a white board that he did this last year and was ok.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your nephews situation and problem. In my opinion you should definitely consult him to the doctor and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and chest x-ray to rule out internal lung injury. He is having blunt chest trauma and breathlessness, not able to speak etc. can be due to pneumothorax or Pulmonary contusions etc. So we need to rule out all these. And for this chest x-ray is needed. So better to consult doctor and get done chest x-ray. If chest x-ray is normal than no need to worry. But at present don't wait at home, take him to the hospital and rule out all these complications. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your nephew. Thanks.