What will happen if you get hit in the sternum?
A direct blow to the sternum may result in a heart contusion. This occurs when the heart is compressed between the sternum and the spine, causing an injury to the right ventricle or even a rupture to the aorta. This injury needs to be referred to the emergency room immediately.
How do I know if I damaged my sternum?
Chest pain. A broken sternum typically causes moderate to severe pain when the accident occurs. The pain may get worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze. The area over the sternum may be tender and hurt if touched.
How long do sternum injuries take to heal?
As a rough guide, fractured ribs and sternums take about 4-6 weeks to heal and it is usual to still feel some discomfort after this time. Bruising can take between 2-4 weeks to heal. Taking deep breaths and coughing are important normal actions that our bodies do every day.
How do you know if a hit to the chest is serious?
Go to an emergency department or call an ambulance on triple zero (000) if you:
- have difficulty breathing.
- feel drowsy or confused.
- cough up any yellow/green or red-stained sputum.
- have skin that is clammy and pale.
- have chest pain.
- pass any blood in your urine and or stools.
- have extreme thirst.
What does a sternum injury feel like?
Patients with a sternal or breastbone injury typically experience a sudden onset of chest pain at the time of injury. Pain is often sharp and intense and may increase during deep breathing, coughing, laughing or sneezing.
What is the fastest way to heal a bruised sternum?
While your sternum heals, there are several things you can do to speed up the process and reduce your pain, including:
- applying an ice pack to your chest.
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- limiting your movement and avoiding any heavy lifting.
How do you know if a chest injury is serious?
Chest injuries that interfere with breathing or circulation can be serious or life threatening. If the injury is severe, there may be internal bleeding. This might be obvious (e.g. coughing up blood), or not so obvious (e.g. pale and clammy skin, nausea, extreme thirst).
What should I do if my sternum hurts?
Because these conditions may have overlapping symptoms, many people with pain in the sternum will need to be tested for a heart attack. You should go to the ER immediately if you have any of the following: Sternum or chest bone pain that isn’t from a minor injury. Pain radiating to your arms, jaw, or back.