Harden Elkington
If a fractured rib is not treated, it can cause further damage to the surrounding tissue and organs.
The sharp edges of the broken bone can puncture the lungs or other organs, leading to internal bleeding. An untreated fractured rib can also cause long-term pain.
So you should see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is a fractured rib?
A fractured rib is a break in one of the bones that make up your chest wall. Ribs are fragile and can be broken by forceful impact to the chest, such as from a car accident or fall.
A fractured rib can also occur from something as simple as a cough or sneeze. A fractured rib can cause serious damage to your lungs, stomach, and other organs.
How common are they?
In the USA, about 1 in every 10 people have a broken rib. In children under age 7, bone is still growing so fractures are more common at this age.
This is because their ribs have not fully hardened yet. Ribs also fracture more easily in the elderly because their bones are less dense.
Do they heal on their own?
Most fractures will heal on their own over time. However, some may require surgery to fix the bone and ensure proper healing.
If the fracture punctures one of the organs in the chest cavity, there is a greater risk for infection and other complications. seeking medical attention right away is important to ensure the best prognosis.
If you suspect that you or someone else may have a fractured rib, you should seek medical attention right away.
Even if the pain goes away after a while, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of internal injury.
In severe cases, the ribs can puncture one of the lungs which can lead to internal bleeding. In other cases, the fracture may cause long-term pain or difficulty breathing.
If left untreated, a fractured rib can also damage the nerves and blood vessels in the area.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination.
They may order imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to determine the extent of the injury.
What are the types of fractured ribs?
There isn’t much information on different kinds of fractured ribs.
However, from my experience, most fractures happen near a joint- like the ribcage/sternum junction. This is because there is more force on these bones when you move.
Fractures can also occur near the tips of the ribs, called fractures or avulsion fractures. These are caused by a sudden contraction of the muscle and often happen in athletes.
How is a fractured rib treated?
A fractured rib is usually treated by resting the injured area, applying ice to ease pain and swelling, and taking pain medication.
A doctor may also recommend that an individual wear a rib belt or take blood thinners to reduce the risk of further injury.
Taping a broken rib can help relieve pressure on the sore spot, but it won’t limit movement.
What are the symptoms of a fractured rib?
Symptoms of a fractured rib include pain that worsens when taking deep breaths, coughing, or moving.
A person may also develop chest pain or tenderness, localized swelling in the abdomen, and bruising around the injured area. The surrounding muscles may become red and warm to the touch.
Cracking sounds while moving, breathing, or coughing may also occur.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
What are the risks associated with a fractured rib?
The risks associated with a fractured rib depend on the severity of the injury.
In some cases, the broken bone can puncture one of the lungs, leading to internal bleeding. In other cases, the fracture may cause long-term pain or difficulty breathing.
If left untreated, a fractured rib can also damage the nerves and blood vessels in the area.
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How can I treat a fractured rib at home?
For minor cases of fractured ribs, your doctor may recommend treating them at home with rest, ice, pain medication, and wearing a rib belt or taking blood thinners to reduce the risk of further injury.
Taping a broken rib can help relieve pressure on the sore spot, but it won’t limit movement.
If you’re experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling, seek medical attention right away.
Can it rupture the spleen?
Yes, if there is enough force behind it. A ruptured spleen can lead to internal bleeding.
However, this would require significant force because of how well protected the spleen is in the left upper abdomen.
The most common cause of a ruptured spleen is a car accident, where the driver’s upper body slams into the steering wheel or dashboard.
What is the prognosis?
Most fractures will heal on their own over time. However, some may require surgery to fix the bone and ensure proper healing.
If the fracture punctures one of the organs in the chest cavity, there is a greater risk of infection and other complications. seeking medical attention right away is important to ensure the best prognosis.
Conclusion
A fractured rib is a common injury that can be treated with rest, ice, and pain medication. While most fractures will heal on their own, some may require surgery.
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with a fractured rib, seek medical attention right away.
Thank you for reading. Please leave your questions or thoughts in the comments section below.
