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This article was co-written by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee is a licensed family physician practicing in Tennessee. She received her MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 18,079 times.
If it hurts when you cough, sneeze, breathe deeply, twist or bend your upper body, you may have bruised ribs. If the ribs are not broken, you can treat yourself at home, although you may also need to seek medical attention if the pain becomes too much to bear. Applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, hot compresses, and rest can help make your recovery more comfortable.
Steps
Instant pain relief
Find a bag of frozen vegetables (like a bag of peas or corn), or store the shaved ice in a zippered plastic bag. Wrap a towel or t-shirt around the ice pack and apply it to the bruised ribs.
- If you’re under 19, you’re still at risk for Reye’s syndrome, so you need to avoid aspirin. [4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- You can continue to take pain relievers throughout your recovery if your ribs still hurt. Just make sure you take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor or the directions on the bottle.
However, this method is not currently recommended, as limited breathing can lead to complications such as pneumonia. So don’t wrap your ribs with compression tape .
Treatment of rib injury
Take a few days off work if you can, especially if your job requires long periods of standing or manual labor.
Avoid pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects. Do not play sports, exercise, or engage in other physical activities while your ribs heal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Breathe deeply whenever possible. Every few minutes, you should try to take a long, deep breath and exhale slowly. If your ribs seem badly damaged, you should try to take a deep breath every hour.
- Try breathing exercises. When you feel like you can’t breathe again, practice breathing in slowly for 3 seconds, holding your breath for 3 seconds, and exhaling for another 3 seconds. Repeat this process for a few minutes, 1-2 times a day.
- No smoking. During recovery from a rib injury, lung irritants can make you more susceptible to infections. Take this opportunity to quit smoking.
- You can also lie on your side on the injured side. It may sound counterintuitive, but this pose can actually help you breathe easier. [10] X Research Source
Seek medical attention
- Beware of movable ribs. Mobile rib plaques occur when you break 3 (or more) adjacent ribs and can cause severe breathing difficulties. [12] X Research Source If you suspect more than 1 rib has been injured and you are unable to breathe deeply, seek medical attention.
Tip: Gently swipe your hand across your chest. The area around a cracked or bruised rib may be swollen, but you won’t see any protrusions or depressions. If you suspect a broken rib, see your doctor as soon as possible.
- More pain in the abdomen or shoulder.
- Cough or fever occurs.
Advice
- Try to use your abs as little as possible and sleep sitting down to relieve ribs and shoulder pain.
- Soak in a hot tub with salt, eucalyptus oil, baking soda, or a combination of all three.
- Be sure to return for a follow-up visit in 1-2 weeks after the injury.
- Try to maintain a normal posture. Trying to avoid rib pain can lead to back pain.
- Pay attention to complications such as pneumonia during recovery.
Warning
- Call emergency services if you have trouble breathing, a feeling of pressure, pain in the center of your chest, or pain that radiates to your shoulder or arm. These symptoms could be signs of a heart attack.
- This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
- Do not attempt to self-treat a broken rib. If you have symptoms of a rib fracture, seek medical attention immediately.
This article was co-written by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee is a licensed family physician practicing in Tennessee. She received her MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 18,079 times.
If it hurts when you cough, sneeze, breathe deeply, twist or bend your upper body, you may have bruised ribs. If the ribs are not broken, you can treat yourself at home, although you may also need to seek medical attention if the pain becomes too much to bear. Applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, hot compresses, and rest can help make your recovery more comfortable.
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