How long does it take to recover from broken ribs and punctured lung?

In most cases, broken ribs usually heal on their own in one or two months. Adequate pain control is important so that you can continue to breathe deeply and avoid lung complications, such as pneumonia.

What happens if a broken rib punctured a lung?

A serious rib fracture can damage the nearby internal organs, nerves, or blood vessels. The sharp end of a displaced broken rib may puncture the lung, for example. This complication is called pneumothorax. Sometimes, part of the rib can break off completely and “float,” or move independently in the chest.

What do you do for a punctured rib lung?

The most common and effective way of dealing with a punctured lung is by the insertion of a chest tube or hollow needle. For this procedure, the doctor inserts a hollow needle or chest tube into the pleural space to let the air out. A syringe is attached to the needle to draw the excess air out of the space.

Can a broken rib cause a collapsed lung?

A blow that is hard enough to fracture a rib could also injure your lungs, spleen, blood vessels, or other parts of your body. A common injury when you have a fractured rib is a punctured or collapsed lung (pneumothorax).

Will a popped rib heal itself?

Broken or bruised ribs heal in the same way and usually get better by themselves within 3 to 6 weeks.

Can punctured lung heal itself?

Treatment for a punctured lung varies depending on the severity of the trauma and the amount of damage to the lung. It’s possible for a small pneumothorax to heal on its own. In this case, you may only require oxygen and rest to make a full recovery.

How should you sleep with a broken rib?

If possible, try to sleep in a more upright position for the first few nights after the injury. Very serious rib fractures, such as those that make breathing difficult, may require surgery. In some cases, this may involve using plates and screws to stabilize the ribs while they heal.

What does a popped rib feel like?

Symptoms of a Dislocated Rib Swelling and/or bruising in the affected area. The formation of a lump over the affected rib. Extreme pain and difficulty when breathing, trying to sit up, or while straining. Painful sneezing and/or coughing.

Is there a cure for a broken rib?

While there’s no direct treatment for fractured ribs that remain in alignment, medical care is still important to avoid serious complications, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Can a broken rib cause a punctured lung?

Other blood vessels in or near the heart may also be at risk. Another potential complication of a broken rib is a punctured lung. A break in one of the middle ribs that causes a jagged bone edge to penetrate the lung could potentially cause the lung to collapse.

What are the side effects of a broken rib?

Complications vary depending on which ribs break. Possible complications include: Torn or punctured aorta. A sharp end of a break in one of the first three ribs at the top of your rib cage could rupture your aorta or another major blood vessel. Punctured lung. The jagged end of a broken middle rib can puncture a lung and cause it to collapse.

What’s the best way to treat a punctured lung?

If the puncture wound is small, your doctor may choose a “wait and see” approach. A small area of punctured lung may be able to heal on its own. But it is important to let your doctor decide whether this is the right approach. Do not make the decision to “wait and see” on your own, as delay in treating a punctured lung can lead to complications.