Rib pain is one of the complaints that often occurs when you experience a collision, injury, or excessive pressure on the chest and back. Is this dangerous? Check out the following explanation.
Rib pain can certainly make the sufferer feel uncomfortable and difficult to move. If it's caused by an impact or injury, apart from pain, bruising and swelling will usually appear in the area where you hit it. Well, to relieve this rib pain, here will be described ways that can be done.
How to deal with sore ribs
If a sore rib is caused by a minor injury and isn't accompanied by a broken rib or damage to the heart and lungs, the sore rib can heal on its own after 3-6 weeks.
To relieve pain and speed up recovery, there are several steps you can take, namely:
- Rest and reduce activity, especially physical activity.
- Apply ice to the sore ribs.
- Avoid bandaging the sore chest because it can cause tightness.
- Try to sleep on your back.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights.
You can also take pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If you feel pain in the ribs, in addition to doing the steps described above, as much as possible still do an examination to the doctor. The goal is that the cause of the sore ribs can be identified, then given the necessary treatment. If there has been a previous impact or trauma, it is likely that supporting examinations will be needed, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
If the rib pain is caused by a broken rib, then further treatment, such as close observation in the hospital, administration of stronger painkillers, to surgical procedures, may need to be done. Need to watch out, broken ribs can also cause lung development disorders, even pneumothorax which can endanger the sufferer.
Well, that's an explanation of sore ribs and the initial treatment that can be done. Immediately go to the emergency room or the nearest hospital if the rib pain is getting worse, accompanied by shortness of breath, especially if it is accompanied by coughing up blood.