Chest Injury
Blunt chest trauma
What it is
A chest injury can occur when something hits or presses hard against the chest. It may affect the ribs or muscles or, less commonly, organs in the chest, such as the lungs or heart.
Related sheet available: Abdomen (belly) Injury
What you can do at home
What to do
- Apply cold for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours during the first 48 hours.
- Use a cold compress, ice pack, bag of frozen vegetables, or reusable cold pack.
- Always place a cloth between the skin and the cold source.
- After 48 hours, apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes, 4 times a day.
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
Pain when moving or coughing
- Hold a cushion or pillow against the chest when moving or coughing.
- Continue breathing normally.
- If prescribed, do the breathing exercises recommended by a healthcare professional.
Avoid
- Do not hold the breath completely because of the pain.
- Avoid activities that significantly increase the pain.
When to seek medical attention
Pain that does not improve or gets worse after 48 hours despite following the recommended advice
Yellow or greenish phlegm lasting more than 48 hours
Fever
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
A new cough, with or without blood in the phlegm
Severe abdominal pain or abdominal pain that gets worse quickly
Difficulty breathing that persists or gets worse
Rapid changes in the person’s condition, such as:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness, confusion
- agitation or unusual behaviour
- severe weakness
Severe abdominal pain
Fever in people at risk, including people who are:
- immunocompromised
- pregnant people
- babies under 3 months of age
Signs of internal bleeding, such as
- severe weakness or feeling very unwell
- skin that is paler than usual
- cold or clammy skin
- rapid heartbeat
- rapid or difficult breathing or shortness of breath
For people taking blood thinners
Monitor for bleeding and follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional if the injury is significant