Rib fractures occur quite often. And immediately the question arises: "What are the symptoms of fracture of the ribs?" 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 a rib fracture? Strictly speaking, any impact if it is carried out with sufficient force. For example, a person may fall from somewhere and cause injury. Symptoms of a fracture of the ribs are not long in coming. So, the causes of such an injury:
- falls (in particular, on the side);
- compression of the chest and diaphragm;
- 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 ensure a balanced diet aimed at strengthening bones.
Fractures can be either single or multiple. When diagnosing, the severity of the injury must be taken into account, as the symptoms of rib fracture will indicate. So, there are just cracks, fractures, when only the bone breaks, but the periosteum does not, and the so-called complete fractures.
The main symptoms of rib fracture
First of all, we note that a fracture of the ribs 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 mobility of the chest;
- difficulty breathing, a decrease in lung volume;
- chest pain, which subsides if the victim sits quietly, and resumes when breathing, talking, coughing and while moving.
With multiple fractures of the
ribs, a person tries to move as little as possible, breathe shallowly and not talk. The injury site is easily felt. 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 the air got into the subcutaneous tissue, then crepitation (or specific creaking) is observed upon palpation.
With fractures on the left side, the rhythm of the heart can be disturbed. 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 in any case, no symptoms of rib fracture will help determine the nature of the injury better than chest fluoroscopy, which is well known to everyone.
Next, we consider one of the most important questions that arise when a fracture of the ribs: "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 healthy side, of course).
What is the best treatment for rib fracture?
First of all, remember that you do not need to self-medicate. The ribs may not grow together correctly, which is fraught with complications. During treatment, the chest requires tight fixation, which is why a person needs to be sent to a hospital. After the ribs have fused, you can begin to perform special breathing exercises, which will restore mobility of the chest.
So, in the article we described what a rib fracture, symptoms, treatment of this injury are.