WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a rib fracture? A rib fracture is a crack or break in one or more of your child's ribs. What causes a rib fracture? A rib fracture in a child is most commonly caused by car accidents. Child abuse is also a common cause of rib fracture. Bone diseases, such as rickets or osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), may also cause fractures in children. Rib fractures happen more often in teenagers who play contact sports, such as football or hockey. Hard coughing may lead to a rib fracture because it causes muscles to tighten. What are the signs and symptoms of a rib fracture? Your child may have pain in his chest, especially when he breathes deeply, coughs, or moves. You may see bruises around the area of the rib fracture. How is a rib fracture diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's injury and examine him. He will look for any signs of bleeding or bruising. He will also ask about your child's breathing and pain. Your child may need any of the following: - A chest x-ray is used to check for broken bones. Healthcare providers may also use it to check your child's lungs and heart.
- A CT scan, or CAT scan, is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures of your child's ribs. The pictures may show broken ribs and injuries to other organs. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see your child's ribs better. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
How is a rib fracture treated? - NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give this medicine safely.
- Deep breathing and coughing will decrease your child's risk for a lung infection. Ask your child to take a deep breath and hold it for as long as he can. He should let the air out and then cough strongly. Deep breaths help open his airway. He may be given an incentive spirometer to help him take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece in your child's mouth and have him take a slow, deep breath. He should then let the air out and cough. Have him repeat these steps 10 times every hour.
- Rest will help your child heal. Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.
- Apply ice on the fractured area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Surgery may be needed if many of your child's ribs are badly fractured. Broken ribs may be held together with plates and screws. An injury to an organ, nerve, or blood vessel may also be treated with surgery.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - Your child coughs a lot or coughs up thick or bloody sputum (spit).
- Your child has abdominal pain.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
- Your child's pain gets worse, even after treatment.
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