Symptoms of a Broken Rib
Symptoms of a Broken Rib usually present soon after injury and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain with each breath. The most typical symptoms of a broken rib include localised chest pain, tenderness to touch, difficulty breathing deeply, and pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or laughing. Recognising these symptoms early ensures better outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
Pain is the hallmark symptom. It is usually sharp and occurs at the site of the break. The pain intensifies during actions that expand the chest — breathing in, sneezing, coughing, stretching, or rolling over in bed. Some people describe a “stabbing” or “piercing” sensation.
Tenderness to touch is common. Applying light pressure to the affected area often reproduces the pain. In cases involving multiple fractures, a larger section of the chest may feel bruised and painful.
Swelling and bruising may develop over the injured area. Although not always present, discolouration often appears within 24 to 48 hours after trauma.
Symptoms of a Broken Rib
A cracking or popping sound may be felt or heard at the moment of injury. Some people experience a sensation of grinding (crepitus) when the broken bone edges move.
Difficulty breathing is another key sign. Shallow breaths are common, as deep breathing intensifies the pain. This can lead to reduced lung expansion and increase the risk of pneumonia.
Coughing and sneezing trigger sharp, localised pain in most patients. As a result, people may avoid coughing — which can cause mucus build-up in the lungs and further increase the risk of infection.
If the fracture is severe or if the rib is displaced, additional symptoms may include shortness of breath, light-headedness, or signs of internal injury (such as blood in the sputum). These require emergency medical evaluation.
In elderly patients, symptoms of a broken rib may be more subtle but still dangerous due to the increased risk of lung complications. Any chest pain after trauma in this age group warrants urgent assessment.
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