Fifty year old female fell from bottom step onto corner of wood furniture. two days ago.  Hurt a few areas, but the worst is the side of my right chest area.  There is not a lot of bruising, but it hurts when I cough, sneeze, etc.    Could I have cracked a rib or damaged my spleen?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. She was having blunt chest trauma. And this kind of trauma can cause rib fracture, musculoskeletal injury, pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax. All these can cause pain on coughing and sneezing. So better to get done chest x-ray first. If chest x-ray is normal then possibility of simple musculoskeletal pain is more. Ask her to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid movements causing pain. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep. 3. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. 4. Take painkiller like ibuprofen. 5. Apply warm water pad on affected areas. Don't worry, she will be alright with all these in 1-2 weeks. But first rule out rib fracture by doing chest x-ray. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.