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Chest injuries

6-minute read

If your chest has been injured, for example after a fall, accident or assault, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

What are chest injuries?

Chest injuries are injuries to your chest area — anywhere between your neck and abdomen (tummy).

Damage may be to:

Chest injuries can cause:

Broken ribs

One of the most common chest injuries is fractured ribs (broken ribs). This is when your ribs crack or break. Problems associated with fractured ribs can include:

What symptoms are related to chest injuries?

Symptoms of chest injuries vary, depending on the type of injury.

Signs and symptoms of dangerous chest injuries can include:

With a serious injury, you may:

Other signs of a chest injury can include:

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What causes chest injuries?

Chest injuries may be caused by:

Penetrating injuries may have separate entry and exit wounds.

When should I call an ambulance or see my doctor?

Chest injuries can be minor, such as bruising. But even minor chest injuries should be checked by your doctor, who can tell you what to do if your symptoms get worse.

When to seek urgent care

Serious chest injuries need urgent medical attention.

Chest injuries that interfere with your breathing or circulation (blood flow) can be serious or life threatening.

If the injury is severe, there may be internal bleeding. You may also have other injuries, most often head and abdominal (tummy) injuries.

Go to an emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you:

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First aid for chest injuries

Basic first aid follows the DRSABCD action plan.

First aid for a chest injury will depend on the type of injury.

How are chest injuries diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination.

They may recommend tests, such as:

These tests are often done in hospital if you have had a chest injury. You may also have other tests, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG).

How are chest injuries treated?

Treatment of a chest injury will depend on:

If you have a severe chest injury, you will need treatment in hospital. You may need to have:

Fractured ribs

A fractured rib will heal on its own, but it takes time — up to 8 weeks.

If you have fractured ribs, you may be asked to breathe deeply and cough regularly. This helps to prevent pneumonia, a type of chest infection.

If you are in pain, take pain-relief medicines. Pain relief is important as it will help you feel more comfortable to cough, take deep breaths and do any breathing exercises you are given.

If your injury is minor, try to keep moving around and doing what you normally do. But avoid lifting, bending and any strenuous exercise until your pain and other symptoms have gone.

Complications of chest injuries

One of the most common complications of rib fracture or chest injury is a chest infection such as pneumonia.

Other complications can include:

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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