Broken ribs are more common in older adults than younger
people. The ribs may be fractured in more than one place. They
generally take from 3 to 8 weeks to heal.
Causes
Causes range from a fall or a
blow to the chest to hard coughing or sneezing.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll suffer pain, especially
when taking a breath. Other symptoms are tenderness and shallow
breathing. You may feel as though you have to hold your chest
to relieve the pain. There may be bruising at the place of
injury.
Care
The break will need to heal
naturally. To speed healing, follow the guidelines listed
below.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Avoid strenuous activity. Be careful not to bump the
injured rib.
Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of
fluids to avoid constipation.
Take deep breaths several times a day to keep the
lungs free of infection.
Do not wear a rib belt or
binder.
You may apply heat to the injury to help relieve
pain. Use a warm heating pad, whirlpool bath, or warm,
moist towels.
You may use over-the-counter pain-killers such as
aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.