Bruised ribs hurt a lot. They often arise as a result of coughing or exercise. Treatment by a doctor often consists of prescribing painkillers. The complaints consist of pain when breathing, bending over, sitting or coughing.
What is a bruised rib?
With a bruise, so much pressure has been placed on tissues that damage occurs. A bruise can affect organs, muscles but also bones. With a bruised rib, pressure has been placed on the rib, causing it to be compressed. The rib is damaged without being broken.
Recognizing a bruised rib
A bruised rib is often recognizable by pain after a blow to the rib. A bruise can also occur as a result of coughing during a respiratory infection. Breathing is sometimes difficult and painful, depending on which rib is bruised. Sometimes several ribs are bruised. Coughing and sneezing is painful and it is difficult to bend over. Raising the hands is also painful. Sometimes swellings are visible in the breast.Bruises may develop on the skin: red-blue spots that later change color. The worst pain occurs while sleeping or just after waking up. Sitting can also be painful. X-rays show no damage to the rib(s).
Origin of a bruise
One or more bruised ribs are always caused by great pressure on the ribs, pushing tissue against the ribs. With a respiratory infection, coughing puts great pressure on the ribs. These can become bruised as a result. Exercise is another common cause for bruised ribs. A fall or a blow to the ribs can also cause a bruise.
Treatment and recovery
Cooling immediately after a blow or bump to the ribs reduces swelling and pain. However, a reduction in swelling also causes a reduction in white blood cells, which are necessary for clearing the damaged tissue. Cooling will ultimately make recovery take a little longer. Cooling does reduce bleeding by constricting the blood vessels. Vitamin C in the diet promotes the production of white blood cells. If the bruise becomes more painful due to cooling, it may be a broken rib. A bruise cannot simply be treated by a doctor: the rib cannot be put in a plaster cast. Painkillers/anti-inflammatories are often prescribed.Rest is important for recovery , in combination with exercise. Rest gives the body the chance to recover, exercise ensures that the muscles do not weaken and stiffness does not occur. With stiff muscles, the final recovery process will take longer. Sitting upright ensures that the ribs are not compressed too much. Because breathing is painful, there is a risk of shallow breathing, which can cause respiratory infections. Painkillers ease the pain. Do not take painkillers for longer than necessary. Don’t take more painkillers than necessary.A warm bath relaxes the muscles, which often become tense due to a bruise because the body position changes. The total recovery takes 5 to 10 weeks, sometimes even longer. Move up to the pain threshold: if it hurts, stop and rest for a while.Applying a pressure bandage keeps things in place a little more firmly and can relieve the pain. A pressure bandage that is too tight can actually cause more pain. It is best for the doctor to apply a pressure bandage. A pressure bandage consists of a layer of soft synthetic cotton wool with an ideal bandage. This is a non-sterile elastic bandage made of cotton. A pressure bandage distributes the pressure evenly and should always be bandaged well outside the bruise. The cotton wool should also be on and around the bruise.If there is severe pain that makes breathing or coughing painful, a doctor should be visited. The risk of pneumonia is much greater when there is no coughing or when breathing is shallow. The doctor will usually prescribe stronger painkillers. This should be continued for as long as necessary and as prescribed by the doctor.
read more
- Bruised back: recovery and exercise
- Recognizing bruised ribs
- Bruised or broken rib?