What are the factors not to be underestimated
A trauma to the rib cage is always an unpleasant, painful event that can cause concern even if in most cases it does not generate any negative repercussions on the state of health and tends to resolve itself after a period of rest from physical exertion.
It goes without saying that if the trauma was a state of considerable violence, even if there are no breathing difficulties or pain that increases during the respiratory acts, it is still necessary to consult a doctor and observe the right healing times that vary from case to case. .
As a rule, it is good to state that in any case if breathing difficulties occur, due to painwhich increases when the chest expands during inspiration, it is always necessary to undergo clinical investigations, this because perpetrating incorrect breathing can have serious repercussions on the respiratory system, facilitating the onset of serious pathologies such as pneumonia and infections pulmonary. Therefore, as a rule to keep in mind: pain when breathing is a symptom that should not be underestimated.
Generally if the trauma was not strong enough to involve the structures attached to the cracked rib(muscles, nerves, blood vessels) the symptoms are limited to a pain that is also quite intense, which is added to swelling and skin redness for an indicative period between 3 and 4 weeks. Period in which it will be necessary to rest, avoid physical exertion, avoid lifting weights and sudden movements. It will then be necessary to apply ice packs to soothe both pain and swelling, and to avoid wearing tight clothes or bandages, therefore nothing that compresses the chest.
As seen above, when the symptoms of a cracked rib become more intense, it is necessary to seek the attention of a doctor quickly. During the examination, the doctor will first ascertain the causeand on the extent of the trauma suffered, and then go to probe the symptoms reported by the subject.
It will therefore be important to know the type of pain felt, if constant or if it increases during breathing, touching or during the execution of certain movements, and obviously if this affects breathing. Associated symptoms such as dizziness, fever, nausea, breathlessness, sleepiness and fatigue are then evaluated . Collected all this information, the doctor goes to inspect the patient’s chest, verifying the presence of lesions, bruises, signs of fractures and points of pain in compression.
On the basis of the data collected, the doctor will evaluate the possibility of subjecting the patient to diagnostic tests, such as radiography to check the state of integrity of the bones, or the CT scan, useful both to see the state of the bones and muscles, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
In the event of one or more broken ribs , it is instead necessary to immediately seek emergency care, because the fracture of the ribs could also add to internal organ injuries.
What are the healing times?
We have seen how pain in the ribs isit is not a phenomenon to be underestimated because it could indicate the possibility of serious repercussions to the detriment of the organs of the chest, therefore it is strongly advised not to stall by looking for unlikely reassurance and remedies on the internet or to improvise on one’s own beliefs. The only thing to do is to consult a doctor promptly, especially when the pain increases during breathing.
If the trauma suffered is minor, a period of rest is sufficient in which to avoid sudden efforts and movements, applying ice packs and using painkillers (on medical advice) if the pain is not bearable.
It is also recommended not to compress the chest with tight clothing or bandages, which could worsen the situation. Healing times are generally between 3 and 4 weeks, times that are longer in the case of more serious trauma and much longer in the case of a fracture.
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