Cracked Rib Symptoms

To know the symptoms of a cracked rib, first we need to know a little about the ribs and what causes a cracked or fractured rib. Ribs are classified in three categories according to their location inside the body. The three categories are as follows:

• Upper ribs
• Middle ribs
• Lower ribs

The upper ribs are protected with the collarbone and shoulder blades. In case there is a cracked upper rib, it can hurt the aorta. The middle ribs are more prone to injuries and cracked middle ribs can hurt your lungs to the extent that it may even puncture the lungs. The bottom ribs are also more susceptible to injuries and the broken ends of the cracked ribs can hurt or injure the internal organs, like, spleen, liver and kidneys. There are many causes of a cracked rib.

Causes of Cracked Rib

Reasons for getting a rib fractured are many. Cracked rib or fractured rib is a common injury in athletes but it could happen due to other reasons as well. Many rib fractures are followed by a sprain or tear developed in muscles or tendons or even the ligaments. These muscles and tendons are intercostal. The risk of cracked rib increases if there are more than one broken ribs. These broken or cracked ribs can hurt the blood vessels and other internal organs.

• Bruising: Bruising near the chest due to some sort of injury is one of the primary cause of cracked ribs. This may be due to an accident or a fight or sports, like, basketball, golf and rowing. There are many reasons for getting a bruised / cracked rib during some sports activity. Vehicular accidents may cause bruising in the rib cage area.
• Osteoporosis: People suffering from osteoporosis are more susceptible to fractures. In osteoporosis, the bone density decreases and bones become more fragile.
• Costochondritis: Inflammation near the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone is called costochondritis. This is another reason for cracked ribs.
• Pleurisy: Pleura is a membrane in the chest cavity that surrounds each of the lungs. When this membrane has a swelling, it may lead to cracked rib.
• Cancerous Growth: If a cancerous lesion develops in the rib area, there are chances of getting a cracked rib.
• Severe and prolonged coughing: Severe and prolonged coughing is also one of the causes of cracked rib, due to the extended pressure on the rib cage. These were the possible causes of cracked ribs.

Cracked or Broken Rib Symptoms

• Chest Pain: Severe pain is experienced in the broken part of the rib. If you ignore this chest pain due to cracked rib, it has the potential to puncture your lungs. This is very dangerous situation. So, if you experience severe pain after bruising, it is best to consult a doctor. Similarly, if you have osteoporosis and you are suffering from chest pain, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor on experiencing this symptom of cracked ribs.
• Breathing Problem: This is another cracked rib symptom that is experienced, i.e. difficulty in breathing. Due to difficulty in breathing, other cracked rib symptoms follow, like, fatigue, dizziness and headache. Anxiety, restlessness and feelings of fear are also seen in some patients. This is because they are not able to breathe properly. The lungs may not work properly due to the broken rib.
• Painful Breathing: When a patient with a cracked rib breathes, he / she may experience pain while breathing. Many times, there are chest wall deformities that are caused due to the cracked rib.
• Painful movements: Lastly, painful movements is another cracked rib symptom. After cracked rib, there are some tender spots that are developed around the chest area. Fullness and squeezing pain in the chest is also one of the symptoms.

Cracked rib is a painful situation and one must take good care for full recovery. One must strictly avoid strenuous activities like workout and sports, as the injury may be aggravated. Applying ice packs is a good way of relieving pain. However, the most important of the treatment options is rest, and regular intake of painkillers and other prescribed medicines. Cracked rib symptoms, once observed, must be taken seriously. And there should not be any delay in paying a visit to the doctor, come what may.