<s>[INST] I FELL ON MY LEFT RIB CAGE ONE WEEK AGO.  I HAD CHEST X-RAYS TO RULE OUT BROKEN OR FRACTURED RIBS.  THANK GOD IT WAS NEG.  HERE IS MY PROBLEM.  SINCE THE FALL, I HAVE HAD GAS BUBBLES UNDER THE RIBCAGE AND AROUND TO MY BACK UNDER THE RIBS.  WHAT COULD THIS BE??  I STILL HAVE SOME DISCOMFORT BREATHING AND LEANING ON MY SIDE AND BACK, BUT WHAT THE HECK ARE THE GAS BUBBLES FROM?    I AM WORRIED THAT THERE MAY BE DAMAGE TO SOMETHING UNDER MY LEFT RIBCAGE.  THANKS [/INST] Hello, You have got a blunt injury to the chest wall. The gas bubbles what you feel is superficial subcutaneous emphysema. That is the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues. You don't have to worry as x-rays have confirmed no rib fractures, any chest injury will take six weeks for complete recovery. In the meantime avoid aggravating activities like lifting heavy weights. Coughing and deep breathing will aggregate the pain. You can continue medications given by your physician. If you develop any breathing difficulty, then consult your physician you will be fine in a few weeks. Don't worry. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.   </s>