Bruised Rib Discharge Instructions

About this topic

A bruised rib is an injury to a bone of the rib cage. The rib cage is a group of bones that protect the organs in your upper body, like the lungs and heart. ‚
A bruised rib is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. This happens in car accidents, sports, or falls. A bruised rib will heal on its own. ‚

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
Get lots of rest to help you heal faster.
If your doctor gave you a support device like a rib binder, belt, or brace, wear it only as directed. Do not wrap bandages around your chest unless you were told to by your doctor. Wrapping your chest can make it hard for you to breathe.
Take a few deep breaths or cough every hour. Use a pillow in front of your chest as a splint when you cough to lessen pain.
Ice your chest for 15 minutes a few times a day. Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Never put ice right on the skin.
Lie on your injured side. This lets you take deeper breaths.
Hug a pillow to your chest when coughing or sneezing.
Stop smoking. If you need help quitting, talk with your doctor.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Help with pain and swelling

Will physical activity be limited?

It may take up to 6 weeks for your rib to heal. You should not do physical activity that makes your rib hurt more. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚

What problems could happen?

Chest infection, like pneumonia, due to not being able to take deep breaths ‚

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Wear protective gear when playing contact sports.
Decrease your chance of falling. Move anything that may cause you to trip, clean up spills right away, and always have good lighting. Use railings on stairs.
Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
More trouble breathing or coughing up blood
Pain in chest, belly or shoulders
You still have pain after taking pain drugs

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚

I can tell you about my pain.
I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
I can tell you when I can go back to my normal activities.

Where can I learn more?

NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rib-injuries/pages/introduction.aspx ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2015-03-31 ‚

List_set bdysylist

Neuromuscular and Skeletal

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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