Orthopedics-Online

Broken rib - what can you do?

What to do if you have a broken rib

A broken rib is usually very annoying, but unproblematic. If only one or a few ribs are broken, usually only can Painkiller such as. NSAIDs administered around the Symptoms to alleviate.
As long as the break uncomplicated, so is not postponed, it heals by itself within a few weeks. There isn't much the patient can do here either. Often times, a broken rib is very painful and prepares especially with the inhalation strong pain. Patients should therefore be provided with sufficient pain relievers to relieve the symptoms and to make breathing easier.

What to do about the pain

Usually is no special therapy necessary for a broken rib and it heals by itself. However, if the pain is severe, the sufferer may Pain medication take in. Are particularly suitable Ibuprofen, Novalgin® or Tramadol. Especially during the initial period and when the pain is particularly severe, pain-relieving medication should not be avoided, otherwise there is a risk of adopting a relieving posture. Breathing is also severely restricted in severe pain and this increases the risk of lung infection elevated.

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What to do if you have a broken rib due to coughing

If a rib fracture is caused by coughing, either the cough must be very strong or the bone structure of the ribs is changed in such a way that a bone fracture can result from the application of little force. This is for example at osteoporosis the case.

A broken rib caused by coughing is treated in the same way as a broken rib caused by other causes. Treatment is usually not necessary if the fracture is not displaced. It heals on its own after about 12 weeks. However, medication for the pain can be taken if it becomes too severe. Here, for example, is suitable Ibuprofenwhich can be dosed as required. If the cough that led to the broken rib persists, it should definitely be treated. The underlying disease should be treated and additionally can expectorant drugs be taken to relieve the cough.

If there has ever been a broken rib due to coughing, it can help to press your hands against your chest to create counter pressure if you have a recurring cough.

What can I do to make the broken rib heal faster?

The The healing time of a broken rib cannot be shortened. Like any other bone, the ribs simply take time to grow back together. It is important that pain relief medication is taken when necessary and that undue strain on the ribs is avoided. This includes, on the one hand, sweeping movements and, on the other hand, carrying or lifting heavy loads. If this is observed, the broken rib will heal as quickly as possible. A Magnetic therapy can be used. If you have an existing or new cough, you should definitely Cough Syrup or others Cough medication should be taken so that the ribs are not additionally stressed.

Further information on this topic can be found at: Healing time of a broken rib

What else should be considered?

In addition, there is a risk of having less work of breathing lung infection, which by the lower removal of the Germs in the lung arise. It is all the more important to have good pain relief in order to ensure breathing as normal as possible. In addition, some can Breathing exercises both relieve breathing pain and ensure effective breathing.

Because of the pain, and about the Broken rib In order not to hinder the healing process, the affected patients should take care of themselves physically. Sports, difficult Wear or other strenuous or stressful physical activity should be avoided. A broken rib heals a lot individually differently out. Therefore, no exact period can be given. As a rule, the patient himself notices that the rib is healing from the relief of the symptoms.
It helps some patients Ribs by means of a bandage to fix the rib cage. However, this is not a standard procedure as it is not medically indicated and does not result in any faster healing. A Plaster plant is no longer performed nowadays, as the narrowing of the chest can lead to breathing problems and thus cause more problems than correcting them. Some patients report faster healing from this Lie on the affected side. This creates the rib compressed and may heal faster.

This has not been scientifically proven. However, it does not do any harm and can therefore be tried out by the patient. This lying position should only be assumed if the side position does not increase the pain or is perceived as uncomfortable.