Broken (fractured) or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall or blow to the chest, or occasionally by severe coughing. They can be very painful, but will normally improve within about three to six weeks.
With a bruise is usually gone or nearly gone within a week. Pain with a broken rib often takes a month or two to go away. A bruise and a cracked rib are both treated in the same manner, with rest and medicine by mouth to control the pain if necessary. MEASURES YOU SHOULD TAKE TO HELP TREAT YOUR BRUISED RIBS: 1. Rest the injured area, giving your body time to heal. Avoid activities such as heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling if they cause pain. Feb 27, 2007 The only difference between a broken rib and a bruised rib is that if its broken they will ask you to be extra vigilent about noticing labored breathing, coughing blood, peeing blood, and pooping blood. They are worried about a corner or that rib poking into organs. This is very unlikely unless you can notice a definite abnormality.
If you think you've injured your ribs, you'll often be able to look after yourself at home. Ribs can't be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they're usually left to heal naturally.
Broken and bruised ribs are generally treated in the same way, so it's not usually necessary to have an X-ray to determine what your exact injury is.
You generally only need to seek medical advice if things get worse or don't improve, or if you were injured during a serious accident.
How can I tell if I've injured my ribs?
A broken or bruised rib will feel very painful, particularly when you breathe in.
You may feel you can only take shallow breaths, but it's important you try to breathe normally to help clear mucus from your lungs and prevent chest infections.
You may also have some swelling or tenderness in your chest and bruising to the skin.
Caring for your injury at home
In most cases, you can take care of broken or bruised ribs at home. While your injury heals, pain relief is very important, as it will hurt every time you breathe in or cough. Taking shallow breaths and not coughing to avoid pain will only put you at risk of a chest infection.
You can look after yourself by:
regularly taking over-the-counter painkillers , such as paracetamol and ibuprofen (aspirin shouldn't be given to children aged under 16) – follow the dosage instructions on the packet
holding an ice pack to your chest regularly during the first few days to reduce the pain and swelling – a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel will also work
resting periodically – take time off work if you need to, especially if your work involves physical labour or the pain is severe
keeping mobile between rest periods – walking around and moving your shoulders occasionally can help with your breathing and help clear any mucus from your lungs
holding a pillow against your chest if you need to cough
carrying out breathing exercises – take 10 slow, deep breaths every hour, letting your lungs inflate fully each time, to help keep your lungs clear
Don't wrap a bandage tightly around your chest, as this will stop your lungs expanding properly. Try to avoid lying down or staying still for long periods. It may help to sleep more upright for the first few nights.
Avoid straining and lifting heavy objects until you're feeling better, as you may injure yourself further and take longer to recover. If you smoke, stopping may also help your recovery. Find information to help you stop smoking.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor 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 help immediately if you develop any signs of a more serious problem, such as:
increasing shortness of breath
increasing chest pain
pain in your tummy or shoulder
coughing up yellow or green mucus
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 your nearest emergency department for an assessment if your injury was the result of a serious accident, such as a vehicle collision.
Bruised ribs are usually the result of a direct blow or trauma to the chest. Apply appropriate home care and/or seek medical treatment if needed.
Human beings have 24 ribs, twelve on each side of the chest, that protect internal organs in the chest and help in the process of breathing. Seven pairs of ribs are attached to the breastbone, while the rest do not reach it. The ribs may be bruised, broken, or separated from the breastbone when a direct blow or chest trauma occurs. Bruised ribs can cause extreme pain, but in most cases, they will completely heal.
Causes of Bruised Ribs
A bruise or a contusion can occur on the ribs, just like other parts of the body. There are many causes under that.
An injury to the chest or upper abdominal area can result in a bruised rib. A strong impact can cause the ribs to push against the muscles surrounding them, causing a bruise to develop. This is common among athletes who play contact sports like ice hockey, football, and rugby.
Vehicular accidents as well as other high velocity injuries can also affect the chest, causing rib bruises. Even minor accidents such as a slip on the floor or falling down from a stairway can cause ribs bruise.
Repeated coughing bouts from pneumonia, whooping cough, or bronchitis can likewise cause rib bruises.
Chest pain coming from bruised ribs can be very painful and may take some time to heal. It is important to identify the cause to help your doctor plan the treatment for you and to apply the necessary care to your injury.
Symptoms and Complications of Bruised Ribs
The accompanied symptoms include the following:
Tenderness or pain when touching the injured area
Extreme pain when taking a deep breath (known as pleuritic pain)
Shortness of breath
Increased intensity of pain accompanying any movement
Sharp, constant pain on the affected rib
Visible bruise at the site of injury
Difficulty in sleeping on the side of injury
If a rib fracture is present, inflammation and unbearable chest pain may be observed
Complications may occur because of rib injury, such as pneumonia and lung infection. These occur because the normal mechanism of breathing is altered, preventing the lung from fully expanded. If a rib is fractured, the sharp ends of the bone could puncture the lung. This is a serious condition, and it should be considered an emergency.
Treatments for Bruised Ribs
Medical Treatment
The immediate treatment is to take a complete rest and reduce one's activities. Other ways to help heal rib bruises include:
Taking pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Some doctors may prescribe narcotic pain medications.
Application of an ice pack on the affected ribs to relieve pain.
Taking deep breaths periodically to expand the lungs.
Avoid binding the chest or ribs since this could increase the risk of pneumonia.
Avoiding vigorous sports or activities that can affect the ribs.
Protecting the chest with the arm from any sudden injury.
It may take three to four weeks for bruised ribs to heal. However, severe injuries may take a lot longer to heal, extending up to about ten weeks. Consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms mentioned to avoid complication and delayed healing.
Home remedies: dos & don'ts
Do take time off from work especially if your job requires physical activity and if the pain is severe.
Do take your pain relievers to avoid pain when you breathe or cough. Shallow breathing and avoidance of coughing increase your risk for lung infection.
Do apply an ice pack or a bag of peas from the freezer on the injury to reduce your swelling and pain.
Do breathe deeply to inflate your lungs fully.
Don't wrap your chest with a bandage - it can prevent your lungs from expanding fully.
Don't smoke cigarettes.
Don't do any sudden movements or heavy chores.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms with bruised ribs:
You experience shortness of breath.
Your chest pain is increasing.
You have pain in the shoulder or abdomen.
You have cough or fever.
These symptoms may be associated with a chest or lung infection, a broken rib, or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Pain medications will be prescribed by the doctor, but you will be sent to a hospital if you need further treatment. Diagnostic examinations may be done to rule out or confirm if there is any internal damage, including chest x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. A specialist in cardiothoracic surgery may be called for further treatment if needed.
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