A broken rib can be caused by a direct blow or ongoing discomfort, such as coughing. Symptoms include shallow breathing and tenderness. Imaging tests are used to identify a break, and serious breaks can cause damage to nearby organs. Pain medication can help manage discomfort while the rib heals on its own in about six weeks.
A broken rib is a partial or complete fracture of one of the bones in the rib cage. This usually painful injury can result from a direct blow to the area or it can be caused by a minor but prolonged form of rib distress, such as frequent coughing fits. Minor rib breaks, while uncomfortable, are usually not serious, while serious breaks can cause damage to nearby organs. Generally, a broken rib will heal on its own in about six weeks. During that time, pain medications may be needed to support normal lung function.
The most common cause of a broken rib is a direct blow to the area. This type of blow can result from accidents such as a fall, a car accident, or a collision while playing a contact sport. Less commonly, a minor but ongoing form of rib discomfort, such as continual bouts of coughing, can cause a rupture. These indirect breaks usually only occur in ribs that have been weakened by a condition such as osteoporosis.
When the respiratory muscles press against the ribs, one of the most common symptoms of a broken rib is shallow or painful breathing. Typically, the site of the break is also tender to the touch. If fragmented pieces of rib have damaged a nearby body part, additional symptoms such as chest pain may also be present.
Those who suspect a broken rib should see a doctor right away. Normally, imaging tests such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans are used to identify a break in the rib area. If a doctor has identified a rupture, they will generally determine if it poses a risk to other parts of the body. While ribs that have simply been cracked usually pose no serious risk, those that have been broken in two or more pieces can potentially puncture a nearby organ, causing significant damage. Therefore, those with a severe rupture may be hospitalized for observation.
Because of its location within the torso, a broken rib cannot be placed like many broken bones. However, a broken rib generally heals on its own within about six weeks. During that time, you may need to manage your rib pain with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Using pain medications makes moving, sleeping, and other daily activities more comfortable. It also helps facilitate normal breathing, which is essential for the prevention of breathing-related conditions such as pneumonia and collapsed lung.
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