Cork Emergency Departments
A rib fracture is a break or crack in a rib. These don't always show on x-ray, but can be diagnosed on examination. You may have one or more fractures; these will heal on their own in about 4 to 6 weeks. It is important to follow the advice below to avoid complications.
When you go home
Print Version- Most importantly - stop smoking.
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially lifting or physical exercise, for at least 4 weeks.
- Breathing exercises - take a slow deep breath, hold it for 5 seconds, then let it out slowly. Repeat 5 times several times a day.
- Take regular pain killers as advised by the doctor.
- Cough up any phlegm (sputum). If coughing hurts a lot, hold a pillow or cushion to your chest for support.
- You should be able to cough at least once a day and this should be increased if you are bringing up phelgm.
- To cough without causing pain try:
- Holding a bath towel lengthways.
- Place the towel around your back,so that both ends come from under your arms to the front of your body
- Cross your arms and pull on opposite ends of the towel, across your chest
- Apply firm pressure and cough - if you find it difficult to manage on your own ask a relative to hold the towel ends and apply pressure
Contact your own doctor if
Print Version- Your breathing gets worse
- Your pain gets worse and is not controlled with pain-killers
- You develop a high temperature, or
- You get a cold, or cough a lot, or have phlegm in your chest that you can't cough up
Seek medical help immediately if:
- You have trouble breathing, or
- You have nausea / indigestion or vomiting or pain in your stomach, or
- Your pain gets worse and is not helped by painkiller
| If you are concerned, please contact the Emergency Department you first attended: | MUH (021) 4271971 | M-UCC at SMHC (St. Mary’s Health Campus) (021) 4926900 | CUH (021) 4920200 | LIU Mallow General Hospital (022) 58506 | Bantry General Hospital (027) 52900 |