Symptoms of a Bruised Rib
Symptoms of a Bruised Rib usually develop quickly after injury and are often similar to those of a broken rib, which is why a professional evaluation is important. The most common symptoms of a bruised rib include localised chest pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort when breathing or moving the upper body. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the impact.
Pain is the most noticeable symptom. It usually occurs in one specific area of the ribcage and may feel sharp or achy. The pain tends to worsen with movement, deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Some people also experience a burning or throbbing sensation, especially at night or when lying on the affected side.
Tenderness over the injured area is common. Light touch, pressure, or wearing tight clothing can trigger pain. Bruising may develop externally as a visible blue or purple discolouration on the skin above the ribs. In deeper injuries, bruising may not be visible, but discomfort remains significant.
Swelling around the ribs may appear within hours of the injury. In some cases, the area feels warm or tight. Applying pressure or lying on the bruised side can intensify the discomfort.
Symptoms of a Bruised Rib
Difficulty breathing deeply is another typical symptom. Although the ribs are not broken, inflammation of the soft tissue limits expansion of the chest, making full breaths painful. This may lead to shallow breathing, which increases the risk of lung infections like pneumonia if left unmanaged.
Muscle spasms in the surrounding area may also occur as the body tries to protect the injury. These spasms can cause additional stiffness and reduced mobility in the upper torso.
People often mistake symptoms of a bruised rib for pulled muscles or internal organ issues. However, rib bruises tend to produce very localised and consistent pain during specific movements, which helps differentiate them from other conditions.
If symptoms persist beyond a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by shortness of breath, blood in coughs, or dizziness, immediate medical evaluation is needed to rule out more serious problems.
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