When to see a doctor

See your GP if your pain hasn't started to improve within a few weeks. They can prescribe stronger painkillers if necessary and refer you to hospital if they feel you need further treatment. Seek medical helpimmediately if you develop any signs of a more serious problem, such as: increasing shortness of breath increasing chest pain pain in your tummyor shoulder coughing up blood coughing up yellow or greenmucus a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above The above symptoms may indicate a chest infection or may mean a broken rib has damaged your lung, causing the lung to collapse (pneumothorax) or injuring another organ, such as the liver or spleen. Go straight to yournearest accident and emergency (A&E) department for an assessment if your injury was the result of a serious accident, such as a vehicle collision.