How to treat at home and when to see a doctor?
A rib bruise can be caused by a fall or collision - this type of injury is common during sports activities. In medical terms, it is called a contusion.
Many people think that a bruise means an area where there is bruising/bleeding, but with a severe injury, it is quite possible to damage the internal space, which you simply cannot notice visually. For example, a rib bruise cannot be detected without a computer scan.
A rib injury causes pain - discomfort is aggravated by deep breathing, coughing or sneezing. In a large percentage of clinical cases, a rib bruise heals on its own, without special medical intervention.
You should immediately seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing;
- Fever;
- You have never had a cough before and now you have one or are coughing a lot;
- Severe pain.
A mild contusion can be managed at home, it is recommended to:
- Rest and avoid any activity that will aggravate the injured area;
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10-20 minutes;
- Take a painkiller;
- As your condition improves, as soon as the pain subsides, slowly return to your normal rhythm of life;
- Remember, a rib contusion sometimes takes weeks or even months to fully heal, so if the pain returns, you will need to rest again.
Source:
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ace3390
