When the rib cage bones develop a crack it is called a fractured rib. Even a crack in the tissue connecting the ribs and breastbone is considered to be a fractured rib. The principle causes of fractured ribs are direct blow to the chest, injury on chest caused due to car accident or fall and coughing hard.
Any blow that can fracture your rib can also affect your lungs, blood vessels, spleen and other body parts. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor for the right way of handling and healing a fractured rib.
Until you can see a doctor, follow the below mentioned steps for faster recovery:
- The best thing you can do is rest. If you don't rest then the increased physical activity can worsen the condition.
- Avoid any kind of strenuous activity that can bang the fractured rib.
- Drink more of fluids to avoid constipation. By avoiding constipation you are allowing excess of fat and waste food materials to flush out and prevent accumulation in the rib cage.
- A well balanced, nutritious and high fiber diet can also prove to be beneficial.
- Take a long breathe at regular intervals of time. This will help you to get rid of the lung infection and keep the rib cage active.
- A rib belt or binder can be harmful. So, avoid using it.
- Application of heat through heating pads, moist towel or steam bath can also be beneficial for healing the fractured ribs.
answered by J