Cracked ribs and bruises?

Question

I know it is probably best to talk to my doctor about this. I have 2 cracked ribs and bruising all down my chest and face, after being attacked. I get great pain in my ribs when I walk, sit down or just move. Sometimes, my chest goes tight and I feel as if I can't breathe. It's hard to move because the bruising is severe and painful.

Is this just minor damage, or should I get checked out again?

Answer 1

Im a student nurse.. and we often see them injuries in a&e... To be fair theres not alot they can do 4 cracked ribs apart from give u painkillers.. but u shuld get it checked out coz if ur avin difficulty in breathin .. this culd mean u may have a pneamathorax.. as 4 the bruisin theres not alot u can do. i suggest takin lots of painkillers n goin 2 see ur gp so he can diagnose if there is any damage 2 ur lings.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

If it's really painful and causing breathing difficulties I would suggest you get to hospital straight away. If you've already been and not much was done, get a second opinion. It may be that further action needs to be taken.

I can't say what's wrong, that's only something a doctor can tell you after they've examined you. Go see one as soon as you can.

Answer 3

If your having breathing difficulties you need to go to A&E so they can check this out and rule out Flail chest (although this would generally mean more than 2 ribs were broken) and rarely Pneumothorax (air or gas accumulated in the pleural cavity) if you recieved damage to your chest

Rib fractures can hurt because the ribs have to move to allow breathing however there is no treatment for cracked ribs as such, except rest and paracetamol

Answer 4

The earlier answer from the nurse is best, when I had broken ribs, its what I did but good old cling film came in handy to wrap the chest with to give some good support, helped me sleep along with painkillers of course, a couple of years on and occaisonally still get some grumbles when I stretch.  The pain eases off eventually