Dear Dale,
You would most likely have a fractured rib if you will feel sharp tenderness at the point of the suspected fracture or if you feel any stabbing pain upon taking a deep breath or coughing. However only an x-ray or medical professional can confirm this on examination. In the meantime, try to minimize movement on affected side and continue the ibuprofen.
If you choose not to go to the doctor or hospital for treatment, you can use medical adhesive tape to "brace" or "splint" the injured rib. Use four or five strips of adhesive tape. Adhere the tape from the sternum (breast-bone) all the way around your back to your spine. Don't wrap it all around your body as this may restrict your breathing. Also try a sling for your arm on the affected side to help eliminate movement.
Continue the ibuprofen if it is helping. Avoid any narcotic pain medications because many of them have an affect on your breathing. Also, as uncomfortable as you may find this to be.....try taking deep breaths and coughing to keep your lungs free of fluid and possibility of developing pneumonia. (Often when people have rib or chest surgical pain, etc.....they tend to avoid taking deep breaths and end up with fluid congestion in their lungs.)
ANY SHARP PAIN UPON BREATHING OR DIFFICULTY BREATHING WARRENTS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Again, if you are experiencing the symptoms I mentioned above, you should really go for medical attention....just in case.
Edited by AnnlynnRN on September 10 2006 at 12:52pm
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