Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Bruised or broken rib

A bruised rib and a broken rib often cause the same sharp pain with deep breathing, coughing, laughing and movement. Most isolated rib injuries heal without surgery, but breathing deeply remains important to prevent mucus build-up and pneumonia. Increasing breathlessness, paleness, drowsiness, coughing up blood or severe abdominal pain after a blow may indicate internal injury and needs immediate help.

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  • Rib injury usually follows a fall, collision, hard blow or forceful chest compression. Severe prolonged coughing can sometimes also cause a fracture in fragile bone.
  • Bruises and fractures mainly hurt with breathing and movement. An X-ray is not always necessary because treatment often depends on breathing, risk and possible damage inside the chest.
  • Adequate pain control and regular deep breathing help prevent shallow breathing, mucus build-up and pneumonia. Discuss safe pain treatment with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Do not bind the chest tightly. This may feel supportive but prevents the lungs from expanding properly.
  • Severe breathlessness, drowsiness, pale clammy skin, coughing up blood or deterioration after a major blow is urgent.

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Further reading

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Calf painCalf pain is often caused by muscle cramp or injury, but a painful, swollen, warm calf may indicate deep vein thrombosis. New breathlessness, chest pain or fainting may indicate a pulmonary embolism and requires immediate help.
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Bruised nailA nail may turn blue, dark red or black when blood is trapped beneath it after a blow, pressure or tight shoes. A small bruise usually grows out with the nail, but severe pain, major damage or discolouration without injury needs assessment.
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Corneal injuryA corneal injury is often a scratch or graze on the clear surface of the eye. It can cause severe pain, watering, redness and light sensitivity. Most small injuries heal well, but contact lens use, dirt or metal in the eye, pus, worsening vision or increasing pain may indicate infection or deeper damage. Never use anaesthetic eye drops at home to suppress the pain.