What would happen if you rib bone broke?

Pain

A broken rib can cause significant pain, especially when you breathe, cough, or sneeze. The pain may be worse when you press on the affected area.

Bruising

The area around the broken rib may become bruised and swollen.

Difficulty breathing

A broken rib can make it difficult to breathe deeply, which can lead to shortness of breath. This is because the broken bone can put pressure on the lungs, making it difficult for them to expand fully.

Coughing

A broken rib can also cause coughing, which can further irritate the injured area.

Sneezing

Sneezing can also be painful with a broken rib. This is because the force of the sneeze can put pressure on the broken bone, causing it to move and causing pain.

Complications

In some cases, a broken rib can lead to complications, such as:

* Pneumothorax: This is a condition in which air leaks from the lungs and collects in the pleural space, the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Pneumothorax can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.

* Hemothorax: This is a condition in which blood collects in the pleural space. Hemothorax can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.

* Flail chest: This is a condition in which two or more ribs are broken in two or more places, causing the chest wall to become unstable. Flail chest can cause severe respiratory distress and can be life-threatening.