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Rib Fracture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • You develop a high temperature.
  • You develop a cough.
  • You cough up thick or bloody sputum.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You develop nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
  • Your pain gets worse.
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