Fracture of the rib is the most common trauma of the chest. There are many reasons for its occurrence. Most often this injury is the result of a fall from a height. The symptom of a rib fracture may indicate not only damage to the bone itself, but also trauma to the internal organs. There are cases when such a trauma leads to death, so it should be taken seriously and not self-medicate.
The main symptom of a fracture of the rib
It is easy to guess that the main symptom of a broken rib will be severe pain. Its amplification is noted during a sigh and during the movement. Especially the pain syndrome will be felt when you turn the chest to the side. The victim's breathing is superficial and shallow. Cough will cause a severe attack of acute pain. In order to alleviate the suffering of a person, it is necessary to ensure complete rest. To do this, he must take a sitting position, the head is slightly thrown back. Another symptom of a broken rib - bone crepitation - can be detected during palpation of the affected area. It manifests itself in the form of a crunch that produces parts of the broken bone. It is noteworthy that injuries in the anterior and lateral regions of the chest are carried more heavily. They are often accompanied by a violation of breathing. Fractures of the ribs in the posterior part are less pronounced.
Symptoms of Multiple Fractures
A bruise or fracture of the rib does not go to any comparison with the extensive trauma, in which the damage is obtained by several bones at once. At the same time, a marked deterioration in the condition of the victim is noted, in addition to the strongest pain syndrome, difficult surface breathing and rapid pulse are detected . The skin pale, it becomes cyanotic. The patient tries to occupy the optimal position and at the same time tries to remain motionless. He avoids the slightest movements, and as if unconsciously freezes. Further examination of the damaged area almost always reveals another symptom of fracture of the rib - bruise. In addition, it is easy to notice and puffiness. Palpation for multiple fractures is painful and reveals crepitation of the air, it resembles a slight scratching.
Pneumothorax with rib fracture
The victim of the appearance of pneumothorax will indicate a general deterioration of the condition against the background of increasing dyspnea. In the affected area, breathing will not be determined. Damage to the lung can also be indicated by hemoptysis. This is a very serious symptom that requires immediate medical intervention. These complications (hemothorax and pneumothorax), as a rule, appear within a short period of time after getting the damage. A few days after the fracture, there may be another no less dangerous syndrome - post-traumatic pneumonia. To this complication are mainly elderly people. In this case, fracture of the ribs and sternum will be marked by a special severity of the flow and will be hard to cure.