Broken/Cracked/Bruised Ribs

I am sorry to tell you but you really need to take him into the ER. He really needs a chest x-ray. Trouble breathing is the bodies way of telling you something is seriously wrong. This unfortunately cannot be treated at home. He could have broken a rib and that could have punctured his lung. Not meaning to scare you but I was a paramedic for 10 years and have seen patients who wait because of no insurance and things really go from bad to worse. If he has no insurance, at the hospital, they could see if he could qualify for temporary medicaid and only pay a small deductible. Sorry, but to me, this sounds like an urgent situation.

If enough time has passed; you could consider alternative therapy: Massage, Reflexology, Reiki (althou this is a buyer-beware in my book as I even I am skeptical... and I practice it! This is due to those that receive a certificate in four hours... and then charge you for sessions, so I am not comfortable with that!).

A very gentle massage can 'ease' the muscles into place (in the area) and take the stress off the injury. Reflexology also eases the pain and does more wonders than could be imagined (or given credit for!).

Hopefully, by now he is feeling a bit better! ;)

What are you waiting for? He should go see the doctor, especially if he is having difficulty breathing....it could get worse!

if his ribs are broken there is nothing that can be done - it hurts for a WAY LONG TIME - coughing is THE WORST. they would be wrapped with an ace bandage and he would be told to take it easy. Continued difficulty breathing could indicate a punctuerd lung and would require immediate medical assistance. ALso with a hard hit internal injuries could present themselves watch for any other signs and do not hesitate to be seen if necessary.

Arnica Montana gel from the health food store is amazing for pain and swelling! I hope he heals well. And happiness to you both.
A. H

I injured my rib when I fell running. My doctor suggested that I NOT have an xray becuase the only thing you can really do is just wait it out (kind of like a broken toe). Unfortunately it is very painful, but I suggest stearing clear of funny movies and taking an over the counter pain medicine.

There is no treatment for a bruised cracked or even broken rib. If you had insurance the doctor will just tell you to take ibuprofen or prescribe maybe a higher pain med for it but thats it. Just wait it out. My mother inlaw fell off of the porch this winter and did something to her ribs as well, she couldn't cough sneeze get out of bed nothing. She didn't go to the doctor either, she just medicaated her self and waited for it to heal on its own. It finally did and now she is fine.