Causes/Diagnosis
Trauma to the chest, usually from a fall, contact sports injury, or motor vehicle accident often is the cause of broken ribs. In elderly adults, even hard coughing or sneezing can be the cause. Playing sports, which require repetitive movements of the upper part of the body, may cause rib fractures as well. But no matter what the cause, you should see a doctor if you suspect that you've fractured a rib. Although in most cases, the lower ribs are those injured, receiving a blow to the chest wall that is hard enough to break a rib could cause internal injuries. Your doctor will examine the area and listen to your lungs. An X-ray may be required to rule out additional injury to the lungs or spleen.
Other Risk Factors
People who suffer from diseases like osteoporosis or certain cancers, which weaken the bones, are at greater risk of rib fractures. Because of the elasticity of their thoracic rib cage, except in cases of child abuse, children are less likely to suffer rib fractures than adults. The fact is that as we age, the chest wall becomes weaker increasing the frequency of rib fractures in older adults. In particular, elderly people who receive CPR frequently suffer rib fractures, usually on the left side. If left undiagnosed, serious complications related to respiration can occur.
Symptoms
Common symptoms are tenderness and pain. It hurts when you breathe or move, especially when you take a deep breath or put pressure on the injured area. The pain can be moderate or, in some cases, quite severe. Fractured ribs decrease the amount of air that can flow in and out of the lungs; therefore, breathing becomes painful, as the muscles used to inhale pull on the ribs. Treatment basically centers on controlling pain.
Treatment
A fractured rib can take up to 6 -- 8 weeks to heal, as individual recovery periods may differ. While most rib fractures can be treated at home, it's important to get plenty of rest. Lying on the side with the rib fracture actually can help you to breathe more deeply. In addition, you should take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If the pain gets to be too bad, contact your doctor. He may decide to prescribe something stronger for pain. Doctors also recommend coughing or taking a deep breath at least once every hour in order to prevent pneumonia or lung collapse. Applying ice to the painful area for about 20 minutes every 3 or 4 hours may help as well. You should continue this treatment for several days or until the pain diminishes. While wrapping the injured area tightly may ease pain, it makes it more difficult for you to take a deep breath, increasing the risk of pneumonia or lung collapse.
Tags: deep breath, chest wall, injured area, lung collapse, pneumonia lung
