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Broken or bruised ribs

Broken or bruised ribs can be incredibly painful, but they usually heal independently.

Verify if you have a rib that is broken or damaged

Common causes of broken or bruised ribs include falls, chest blows, and violent coughing.

These signs include:

  • Severe chest pain, especially when you breathe in
  • Surrounding the afflicted ribs, swelling or discomfort
  • Occasionally, skin swelling occurs
  • You may feel or hear a snap

Like other bones, ribs are challenging to splint or support; therefore, they are typically allowed to heal independently

X-rays are only sometimes necessary.

What you can do on your own

Rib fractures and bruises heal similarly and typically resolve independently in 3 to 6 weeks.

You can take several actions to lessen discomfort and hasten the healing process.

Do

  • In the first few days, frequently apply an ice pack to the affected ribs to reduce swelling
  • If necessary, take a break to rest
  • To prevent chest infections, you should breathe normally and cough when necessary
  • Place a pillow against your chest if you need to cough
  • To improve your breathing and help you eliminate mucus from your lungs, move around and occasionally move your shoulders
  • Take ten slow, deep breaths per hour to assist your lungs
  • For the first few nights, attempt to sleep more upright
    What you can do on your own

    Seek an emergency 

    If you are:

    • Having a significant injury brought on by an accident, such as a car accident
    • Having worsening breathing difficulties
    • Experiencing worsening chest pain
    • Have stomach or shoulder aches
    • Blood coughing
    • Your pain did not diminish within a few weeks
    • Having yellow or green mucus coming out in your cough
    • Feeling shaky and hot, or your fever is high.

    It can indicate that a broken rib has also injured your lung, liver, or spleen.

    Things you should not do

    • Avoid firmly wrapping a bandage across your chest to prevent your lungs from expanding usually
    • avoiding prolonged lying or stillness
    • Avoid straining yourself or lifting anything heavy
    • Avoid participating in any activities or exercises that will make your pain worse
    • Refrain from smoking; doing so could aid your rehabilitation

    To explore your health concerns in detail and receive expert advice, you can easily access our free doctor consultation service, designed to provide you with the support you need.

    Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
    Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022