Cracked ribs are a painful experience that can occur due to various reasons. Whether it’s from a fall or car accident, getting hit on the chest, or even sneezing too hard, broken ribs can be excruciating.
It can make it difficult to breathe, sleep, and perform regular activities. If you suspect that you have cracked ribs, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. In this article, we will discuss the indications and causes for seeking medical attention.
Symptoms of Cracked Ribs
The symptoms of cracked ribs vary depending on the severity of the injury.
A few common symptoms include:
- Pain in the chest area that worsens while breathing, laughing, or coughing
- Tenderness and swelling on the affected area
- Bruising or redness on the skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling lightheadedness or dizzy
The Causes of Cracked Ribs
Cracked ribs can happen due to various reasons, including:
- A fall or impact to the chest area
- Car accidents where the car hits something hard, causing chest injuries
- Physical assault or abuse
- Sports injuries where the athlete experiences direct impact to the chest area
- Coughing or sneezing too hard
Diagnosis of Cracked Ribs
During a visit to a doctor, he will perform several types of tests to diagnose a cracked rib.
The doctor will start by asking about the symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are, as well as any other medical conditions that can affect the diagnosis. The doctor may also check the area for swelling, tenderness, and bruising on the skin. A chest x-ray or CT scan may be taken to detect any damage to the ribs or lungs, depending on the severity of the injury.
Treatment of Cracked Ribs
The treatment of cracked ribs depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be treated at home with pain relievers. The doctor may prescribe certain over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain medications to reduce pain and swelling.
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In more severe cases, the doctor may recommend rest and avoid any physical activities like sports, exercise, or anything that can strain the chest area.
Prevention of Cracked Ribs
Preventing cracked ribs is challenging as it can occur due to various reasons that are sometimes unpredictable.
However, some preventive measures can be taken to minimize the risks, including:
- Avoiding risky or violent activities like physical fights or extreme sports
- Wearing proper safety equipment when participating in physical activities such as sports
- Wearing seatbelts while driving or traveling long distances
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that is getting worse with the passage of time
- Unconsciousness or feeling lightheadedness
- Chest pain feels like squeezing or pressure
- Severe headache or shortness of breath
Possible Complications of Cracked Ribs
If left untreated, cracked ribs can lead to severe complications such as;
- Lung puncture or damage to internal organs if a bone fragment punctures a major organ
- Infection or pneumonia may result if breathing difficulties cause a person to breathe more shallowly than usual, increasing the risk of developing lung infections.
- Blood loss or build-up of fluids around the lungs or heart.
Conclusion
Cracked ribs can be extremely painful and can cause many complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional help if you experience any symptoms related to a chest injury.
A doctor can diagnose the severity of the injury and recommend the right treatment to reduce your pain, allowing a full recovery. Prevention is always better than cure, so take appropriate precautions to minimize the risks of getting cracked ribs in the first place.
