Rib & chest-wall injury — advice for adults
How to look after a bruised or cracked rib, and what to look out for, while it heals.
You have a rib or chest-wall injury (a bruised or cracked rib). It can be very painful but usually heals on its own over about 6 weeks. Good pain relief matters most, so you can keep breathing deeply and avoid a chest infection.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
Rib injuries can cause problems in the days after the injury, not just on the day.
- You cannot catch your breath, or you are much more short of breath
- Chest pain spreading to your arm, neck or jaw
- Feeling sweaty, clammy and very unwell
- Coughing up blood
- Part of your chest moves oddly, or there is new crackling under the skin
- New severe pain in your tummy or the tip of your shoulder
Come back to the ED or contact the service named above.
- A fever, or coughing up green or yellow phlegm
- Pain that stops you taking a deep breath or coughing, despite regular pain relief
- You are not managing at home, or cannot get out of a chair or bed
- The pain is no better after a week, or is getting worse
The main risk after a rib injury is a chest infection, because pain stops you breathing deeply. Take the pain relief you were given regularly, not just when the pain is bad, and take 10 deep breaths and a cough every hour while you are awake. Hug a pillow against the injured side when you cough. If you are over 65, have a lung condition such as COPD or asthma, have broken more than one rib, or take blood thinners, your risk is higher — ask for review sooner rather than later.
Looking after yourself
- Take your pain relief regularly so you can breathe deeply — this is the most important thing.
- Every hour or so, take 5–10 slow deep breaths and cough, hugging a pillow to your chest.
- Keep moving about and stay upright rather than lying still.
- Do not strap or bind your chest — this stops you breathing deeply.
- Try paracetamol or ibuprofen if you can take them.
- If you smoke, cutting down helps your lungs heal.
What to expect while it heals
These are normal while your injury mends and are not a cause for worry:
Pain slowly eases over about 6 weeks — return to activity gradually.