Rib fractures happen quite often. And the question immediately arises: "What are the symptoms of a broken rib?" As in the case of other fractures, the method of transporting the victim and the correct first aid are of great importance for the future patient.
Why does a rib fracture occur? Symptoms. How to sleep the victim in such a situation
What can cause broken ribs? Strictly speaking, any impact, if it is carried out with sufficient force. For example, a person may fall from somewhere and get injured. Symptoms of a broken rib will not keep you waiting. So, the reasons for this injury:
- falls (particularly on the side);
- chest and diaphragm compression;
- mechanical damage (any blows to the chest area).
It is worth noting that the risk of fractures increases with age, which means that older people need to provide themselves with a balanced diet aimed at strengthening bones.
Fractures can be either single or multiple. When diagnosing, it is necessary to take into account the severity of the injury, as evidenced by the symptoms of rib fractures. So, there are just cracks, fractures, when only the bone breaks, but the periosteum does not, and the so-called complete fractures.
Main symptoms of rib fractures
First of all, we note that a rib fracture is a very insidious injury, because although the ribs heal relatively quickly, they can damage the lungs and other organs. Naturally, this will not lead to anything good. So, directly the symptoms of injury:
- limited chest mobility;
- shortness of breath, decrease in lung capacity;
- chest pain that subsides if the victim sits still, and resumes when breathing, talking, coughing and during movement.
With multiple fractures of the ribs, a person tries to move as little as possible, breathe shallowly and not talk. The site of injury is easily palpable. Most often, when touched, the patient experiences pain. It happens that as a result of complete fractures, the lungs are damaged. In this case, other symptoms of rib fracture occur. So, if, as a result of an injury, air has entered the subcutaneous tissue, then crepitus (or a specific creaking) is observed on palpation.
Fractures on the left side can disrupt the rhythm of the heart. In this case, the skin turns pale, the patient may vomit blood. It must be remembered that such injuries can be complicated by pneumonia. But inin any case, no symptoms of a broken rib will help to determine the nature of the injury better than the well-known chest x-ray.
Next, consider one of the most important questions that arise when a rib is broken: "How to sleep in this situation?" If the back side is not damaged, then you can sleep on your back. But still better - on the side (on the he althy side, of course).
What is the best way to treat broken ribs?
First of all, remember that you do not need to self-medicate. The ribs can grow together incorrectly, which is fraught with complications. During treatment, the chest needs rigid fixation, which is why the person must be sent to the hospital. After the ribs have grown together, you can begin to perform special breathing exercises, which will restore the mobility of the chest.
So, in the article we described what a rib fracture is, symptoms, treatment of this injury.
