If you feel pain when you cough, sneeze, breathe deeply, bend or twist your chest, you may have a few cracked ribs. As long as it doesn't break, you can treat the pain on your own, although you should see your doctor if it becomes unbearable. Ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, moist heat, and rest can help you get better as you heal.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Relieve Symptoms Immediately
Step 1. Put ice on the injured rib
It will reduce pain and swelling by promoting rapid tissue healing. Limit yourself to using ice for the first 48 hours after injury and resist the temptation to apply a warm compress.
Get a box of frozen vegetables (peas, for example) or fill a resealable plastic bag with some ice cubes
Wrap the cold compress in a towel or shirt and put it on your cracked ribs.
Step 2. Take a pain reliever as directed
If you feel pain with each breath, start managing it so you feel better. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, naproxen, or acetaminophen, following the instructions in the package insert. Always consult your primary care physician before starting pain relief therapy. Avoid ibuprofen for 48 hours after injury, as it may slow healing.
- If you are under 19, then don't take aspirin as you risk developing Reye's Syndrome.
- You can continue taking the painkiller during the healing process as long as your ribs continue to hurt. Remember to follow the instructions given by your doctor or in the package leaflet.
Step 3. Apply moist heat after 48 hours
After a few days, the heat is able to heal bruises and relieve pain. Then, put a warm moist compress on the injured area (for example, using a cloth). You can also take a warm bath if you prefer.
Step 4. Avoid wrapping the ribs
In the past, the most recommended treatment for cracked ribs was to wrap the rib cage with a compression band.
However, this treatment is no longer recommended because it hinders breathing causing complications, including pneumonia. Therefore, do not use compression wraps to treat a rib contusion.
Part 2 of 3: Recovering from a Rib Injury
Step 1. Rest as much as possible
This is not the time to strain, especially if breathing triggers pain. The best thing to do to heal quickly is to rest. Read a book or watch a movie, and try to relax while recovering.
Possibly, take a sick day or two especially if you have an assignment that forces you to stand for a long time or do manual work.
Avoid pushing, pulling or lifting heavy objects
Do not play sports, do not exercise, and do not do other physical activities during the healing period without the permission of the doctor.
Step 2. Check your breathing
It can be painful to breathe with cracked ribs. However, it is important to try to do this normally and to cough if necessary to avoid complications, such as the risk of respiratory tract infections. If you feel the urge to cough, keep a pillow on your ribs to reduce movement and pain.
- Take deep breaths when you can. Every few minutes, try to take a long deep breath and slowly expel the air. If your ribs are so bad that you can't do this exercise, try taking at least one deep breath every hour.
- Do some breathing exercises. As soon as you feel like you can breathe regularly, try to catch your breath slowly for three seconds, hold the air for three seconds, and expel it within another three seconds. Repeat this exercise for a few minutes, once or twice a day.
- Not smoking. As you recover from a rib injury, substances that irritate your lungs can put you at greater risk of infection. Take the opportunity to quit smoking.
Step 3. Sleep with your torso straight
Lying down and rolling over in bed, you may feel more pain. So, during the first few nights try to sleep upright, such as in a recliner, to minimize discomfort. This will limit your movements and avoid lying on your stomach, relieving the pain.
Alternatively, try lying on your injured side. While this may not make sense, this position may help you breathe easier
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. See your doctor right away if you are short of breath or feel chest pain
Respiratory failure may indicate a more serious problem than a few cracked ribs. If you suddenly feel short of breath, have trouble breathing, suffer from chest pain, or see traces of blood when you cough, call emergency services or contact your doctor.
Look for the costal volet. It occurs when at least three contiguous ribs are fractured and can severely impede breathing. If you suspect that at least one rib has broken and you can't take a deep breath, see your doctor
Step 2. See your doctor if you suspect a rib fracture
A cracked rib has sustained an injury but always remains in place in the rib cage. However, if it breaks, it poses a danger because it risks puncturing a blood vessel, lung, or other organ if it dislocates from its normal position. If you suspect that you have fractured rather than cracked ribs, contact your doctor instead of treating yourself.
Advise:
gently pass your hand over the rib cage. The area around the cracked rib may swell, but you shouldn't notice large protrusions or indentations. If you think it's broken, see your doctor right away.
Step 3. Get examined if the pain is persistent or unbearable
Various factors are implicated in chest pain, but some can be life-threatening. An accurate diagnosis ensures that the right treatment is chosen. If a fracture is suspected, your doctor may order a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or bone scan to make a firm diagnosis. However, these tests do not show bruises or cartilage injuries. See your doctor if:
- You have worsening pain in the abdomen or shoulder
- You have a cough or fever.
Advice
- Use your abdominal muscles as little as possible and sleep on your back to experience less pain in your ribs and shoulders.
- Try to maintain a normal posture, otherwise you risk getting back pain by assuming a position that inhibits the perception of pain.
- Take a warm bath with therapeutic salts, eucalyptus oil, baking soda, or a combination of these three.
- Watch out for complications as you recover, including respiratory infections.
- Get examined within 1-2 weeks of the injury.
Warnings
- Call an ambulance if you have difficulty breathing, feel pressure or pain in the center of your chest, or if the pain radiates to your shoulder or arm. They can be symptoms of a heart attack.
- This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
- Don't heal a rib fracture yourself. If you experience symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
