Chest injuries are not always x-rayed. Broken ribs are not strapped.
Chest injuries can be very painful, and this may last for a few weeks.
You need to breathe deeply and fill the lungs with air to prevent getting a chest infection.
Do’s
- Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol, which you can buy at the chemist. The A&E/UTC department can advise you on other painkillers as well as your local pharmacy.
- Keep yourself active by moving around the home.
- Every 2 hours do deep breathing exercises. Take a deep breath in and hold for two seconds, then breathe out. Repeat 10 times.
You should cough if necessary. If this painful, press firmly over the sore part of your chest.
- Try to use the shower rather than the bath.
- Try sleeping on propped pillows.
Don’ts
- Don’t stay in bed.
- Do not lift.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not strap or bind your chest.
RETURN TO A&E IF
- You cough up blood
- You become short of breath
- Your pain is not controlled
- You develop a fever
- You cough up green or yellow phlegm
Contact details
For advice or review appointments, call the Emergency Department secretaries on 0191 445 2946 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00).
For urgent advice out of hours call 111.