What should you know about a hairline fracture in a rib?

A rib stress injury is a small crack that may follow repeated force, forceful coughing or a blow. Pain is often localised and sharper with a deep breath, cough, sneeze, twisting or pressing the area. Guarding the chest can make breathing shallow, which may allow mucus to collect. A clinician considers the injury pattern, breathing and tenderness; imaging may be used when the diagnosis or possible complications is unclear.

Use the pain treatment recommended for you so you can take comfortable deeper breaths and cough when needed. Support the area with a hand or pillow during a cough, but do not tightly bind or tape the chest unless a clinician specifically directs it. Walk gently, change position regularly and avoid contact sport, heavy lifting and movements that sharply increase pain. Do not smoke, and return to exercise only when breathing and movement are comfortable.

Seek urgent care for shortness of breath, blue or grey lips, coughing blood, confusion, faintness, severe or worsening chest pain, or a high fever with breathing symptoms. After an injury, urgent assessment is also needed if the chest is visibly deformed or pain prevents normal breathing.

Ask whether your breathing needs monitoring, which pain medicines are suitable for you, how to keep the lungs expanding, when driving or work is reasonable, and what symptoms should trigger a same-day review.