About this topic
A rib fracture is a break or crack in 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 rib fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. This may happen from a car accident, playing sports, or falling. Most rib fractures will heal on their own. ‚
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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. Resting your ribs will 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. Put a pillow in front of your chest to lessen pain.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over your chest. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 15 minutes at a time. Do this a few times a day.
- Lie on your injured side. This lets you take deeper breaths.
- Put a pillow in front of your chest when coughing or sneezing.
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?
You may take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for pain, like acetaminophen (Tylenol ‚ ®) or ibuprofen (Motrin). The doctor may give you stronger drugs if you still have pain. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
It may take up to 6 weeks for your rib to heal. You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat food with a lot of protein and calcium. These may help speed healing. This includes chicken, turkey, nuts, fish, and low fat milk and cheese. ‚
What problems could happen?
Most fractured ribs do not cause problems. If you break your rib badly or break many ribs, it can cause: ‚
- Collapsed lungs
- Chest infection like pneumonia
- Damage to organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys
- Torn blood vessels like the aorta
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear protective gear when playing contact sports.
- Lower your chance of falling. Move anything that may cause you to trip, clean up spills right away, and always have good lighting.
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits Do not drink and drive.
- Keep your bones strong by eating food high in calcium and vitamin D like low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese, and by staying active.
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
- 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 fracture.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more trouble breathing or am coughing up blood.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rib-injuries/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
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 providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚