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Date issued: December 2022

Review date: December 2024

PDF:  Chest Wall Injury final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 136KB

What is a chest wall injury?

• Any combination of:

  • Fractured (broken) ribs
  • Fractured sternum (breastbone)
  • Bruising of the chest

• Injuries of the chest can be very painful, and, unlike other parts of the body, it is difficult to rest the chest as it moves every time you breathe

• These injuries often take several weeks to get better

• As a rough guide, a patient with one broken rib can expect to be in pain for three weeks and to be in discomfort for several weeks after that and patients with two or more broken ribs may be in pain for even longer

• The pain may get worse over the first few days.

Do I need an X-Ray?

• X-Rays are not normally required as the treatment for broken ribs and a bruised chest is the same.  Sometimes your doctor requests an x-ray or a CT scan to ensure there are no complications (e.g., a punctured lung).

What is the treatment?

• There is no specific treatment for broken ribs other than pain relief

• Chest infections are the main complication of these injuries. 

• To prevent infections:

• Do regular deep breathing exercises: take 10 very deep breaths every hour.

• Do not suppress any cough. If you feel the need to cough, it is vital that you do cough, despite the fact that it is painful.  It will be more comfortable to cough and do the breathing exercises if you support the painful area with your hand or even a pillow.

Do not take cough linctus as this suppresses the cough.

Should I take painkillers? 

• Paracetamol is useful to ease pain. It is best to take it regularly for a few days or so, rather than every now and then. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, four times a day. A doctor may prescribe additional painkillers such as codeine if the pain is more severe.  If you are prescribed a combination of paracetamol and codeine (e.g., cocodamol or codydramol) then it is important not to take additional paracetamol as you will accidentally overdose. 

• Anti-inflammatory medication can be used with paracetamol or as an alternative. There are many types and brands. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling. You can buy ibuprofen at pharmacies or supermarkets without a prescription. The dose varies depending on your age and other medical problems. Side-effects sometimes occur with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding them.

Return to the Emergency Department if:

• You become short of breath.

• If the pain suddenly gets worse.

See your General Practitioner if:

• Your start to cough up green, yellow or blood-stained sputum (phlegm).

• You become unwell with a temperature.