How Easy Is It It Break A Rib Coughing Crack Or Jagged

Immediate medical attention may also be necessary if the pain does not get better after treatment or if the person develops a fever or cough.

Although painful, a hairline fracture in one of these bones is not usually anything to worry about and will often heal without treatment.

However, it is not uncommon for people to have more than one broken rib at the same time.

Blunt trauma, such as from an automobile accident, is the most common cause of serious rib fractures.

In this article, learn about the symptoms of a broken rib, as well as how doctors diagnose and treat them.

Overview Share on Pinterest A simple broken rib is usually a hairline fracture that can heal without treatment.

A simple broken rib usually means that a person has a hairline fracture in one of the rib bones in the chest.

In more complex fractures, the edges of the broken bone can be pushed out of place.

When someone breaks three or more ribs in two or more places, it can lead to a serious condition called flail chest.

People with flail chest will find it hard to breathe and need immediate medical attention.

Causes and risk factors Blunt trauma is the most common cause of a broken rib.

Causes of blunt trauma include: an automobile or bicycle accident falling from a height a physical attack Around 10 of people who go to the hospital for blunt chest trauma will have one or more broken ribs.

These stress fractures tend to occur in the upper or middle ribs.

Some people are more susceptible to broken ribs, including older adults and those with health conditions that affect the bones, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Symptoms The main symptoms of a broken rib include: pain in the chest wall that gets worse when breathing, moving, or coughing bruising or swelling around the ribs shortness of breath difficulty taking a deep breath Diagnosis Share on Pinterest A doctor may order a chest X-ray to diagnose a broken rib.

To diagnose a rib fracture, a doctor will usually look for signs of bleeding or bruising during a physical examination.

They may ask the person about their pain levels and if it is difficult to breathe.

How Easy Is It It Break A Rib Coughing Crack Or Jagged

A simple hairline fracture will show as a crack or jagged edge on the bone.

The doctor will easily be able to see any segments of floating bone on an X-ray.

If the doctor suspects that the break has caused a lung injury, such as pneumothorax, they may suggest a CT scan or ultrasound.

When to see a doctor Anyone who suspects that they have a broken rib should speak to a doctor.

If the person has trouble breathing or severe chest pain, they should call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.