If you experience pain when you sneeze, cough, take deep breaths, or twist and bend your body, you may have bruised your ribs. As long as the ribs are not broken, you can treat the pain yourself. However, you should seek medical attention if the pain gets worse. Ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, moist heat, and rest can keep you comfortable while you're recovering from a bruised rib.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Help Fast
Step 1. Apply ice and lift (repeatedly) on the injured area for 48 hours
Applying ice to the ribs will help reduce pain and swelling so that the bruised tissue heals quickly. Keep using ice in the first 48 hours after the injury, and don't use a heating pad for a while.
You can use a bag of frozen vegetables (such as corn or peas), or a sealable plastic bag filled with crushed ice.. Wrap an ice pack in a t-shirt or towel, and apply it to the bruised rib.
Step 2. Take pain medication as directed
If you feel pain every time you take a breath, take a pain reliever to make you feel more comfortable. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or naproxen, following the directions on the package. Always consult your doctor before you take a new pain reliever. Do not take ibuprofen within 48 hours of the injury because it can slow down the healing process.
- If you are not yet 19 years old, do not take aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye's Syndrome.
- You can continue to take pain relievers during the healing process if your ribs are still painful. Remember, take the medicine according to the doctor's instructions or the instructions listed on the package.
Step 3. Apply a wet hot compress after 48 hours
After a few days have passed, something hot can help heal the bruise and relieve pain. Apply a warm, moist compress (such as a wet washcloth) to the bruised area. You can also soak in a bathtub filled with warm water if you wish.
Step 4. Avoid bandaging the ribs
In the past, the treatment that was often recommended to treat bruised ribs was to cover them with compression bandages.
However, this treatment is no longer recommended because restricted breathing can lead to complications such as pneumonia (pneumonia). So, do not cover the ribs with compression bandages.
Method 2 of 3: Recovering from a Rib Injury
Step 1. Rest as much as possible
Now is not a good time to push yourself, especially if you find it painful to breathe. Rest is the best thing you can do to get well soon. You can read a book, watch a movie, and relax when your ribs are bruised.
Ask permission not to come to work especially if your work involves standing for long periods of time, or involves physical activity.
Do not pull, push, or lift heavy objects
Do not play sports, exercise, or engage in other physical activities when the ribs have not healed, unless you have your doctor's approval.
Step 2. Breathe
When your ribs are bruised, you may feel pain when you breathe. However, you should continue to breathe normally and cough if necessary to avoid complications such as a chest infection. If you must cough, place a pillow against your ribs to reduce movement and pain.
- Take deep breaths whenever you can. Every few minutes, try to take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. If your ribs are badly injured and you can't do it in a few minutes, try taking deep breaths every hour.
- Try doing breathing exercises. If you feel you can breathe normally, practice inhaling slowly for 3 seconds, holding it for 3 seconds, and exhaling for 3 seconds. Repeat this exercise for a few minutes, once or twice a day.
- Do not smoke. When you're recovering from a rib injury, lung irritants can make you more susceptible to infection. Take this opportunity to quit smoking.
Step 3. Sleep upright
The pain may get worse if you sleep on your back and roll over. For the first few nights, try sleeping in an upright position (for example, on the back of a sofa) to minimize discomfort. Sleeping in an upright position will also limit movement at night and prevent you from rolling over. This can help with pain.
In addition, you can lie on your side towards the injured rib. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually make it easier for you to breathe.
Method 3 of 3: Getting Medical Help
Step 1. Get medical help right away if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain
Shortness of breath can signal a more serious problem than a bruised rib. If you suddenly experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough that bleeds, call emergency services immediately or seek medical attention.
Check if you have a flail chest. A flail chest is a fracture of 3 or more ribs that are close to each other, making it very difficult for you to breathe. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that more than one rib is injured and you are unable to take deep breaths
Step 2. Go to the doctor if you suspect a broken rib
Cracked and bruised ribs are painful, but they are still in the rib cage. On the other hand, a broken rib is a dangerous condition because it moves out of its normal position, and can tear the lungs, blood vessels, or other organs. If you suspect a rib fracture (not just a bruise), seek medical attention immediately and don't try to treat it yourself at home.
Tip:
Gently touch your ribs. The area around a bruised or cracked rib may feel swollen, but not protruding too much or sinking deeply.
If you suspect a broken rib, go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Step 3. Go to the doctor if the pain is persistent or unbearable
Chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which can be life-threatening. With the right diagnosis, you can get the appropriate treatment. To get an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or bone scan if a broken bone is suspected. However, bruising or injury to the cartilage will not appear with this test. Get medical help right away if:
- Increased pain in the abdomen or shoulder.
- You have a fever and cough.
Tips
- As much as possible do not use the abdominal muscles, and sleep face up because this position can reduce pain in the shoulders and ribs.
- Try to maintain a normal posture. Pain in the ribs can immediately trigger back pain.
- Watch for complications (eg chest infection) as you recover.
- Follow up your efforts by going to the doctor within 1 or 2 weeks of the injury.
- Soak in hot water that has been added medical salt, baking soda, eucalyptus oil, or a combination of the three ingredients.
Warning
- Call emergency services if you have difficulty breathing, feel pressure and pain in the center of your chest, or have pain that radiates to your arm or shoulder. These symptoms can be a sign of a heart attack.
- This article should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.
- If a rib is broken, don't try to treat it yourself. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of a broken rib.
