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 are the causes?
You may have had a direct hit or blow to the chest from a car crash or fall. Other times, this injury is caused by a sports injury or even from very bad coughing with pneumonia or other illnesses. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Sore to touch
- Very bad pain when taking a deep breath
- Bruising over the ribs
- Feeling short of breath
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor may be able to tell that you have a bruised rib just by feeling your chest. Your doctor may have you try to take a deep breath. You may or may not need to have a chest x-ray. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will want you to rest and limit your activities to help your bruised ribs heal. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
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.
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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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚