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If your chest has been injured, for example after a fall, accident or assault, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Chest injuries are injuries to your chest area — anywhere between your neck and abdomen (tummy).
Damage may be to:
Chest injuries can cause:
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:
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:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Chest injuries may be caused by:
Penetrating injuries may have separate entry and exit wounds.
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.
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 a chest injury will depend on the type of injury.
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).
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:
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.
One of the most common complications of rib fracture or chest injury is a chest infection such as pneumonia.
Other complications can include:
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.
Trauma Victoria (Thoracic trauma guideline) , The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Chest injury) , Clinical Excellence Queensland (Clinical practice guideline - Blunt chest trauma) , Queensland Ambulance Service (Clinical practice guidelines: Trauma/chest injuries) , Safer Care Victoria (Fractured ribs) , Australian Resuscitation Council; New Zealand Resuscitation Council (Guideline 9.2.3 – Shock: First aid management of the seriously ill or injuried person) , St John Victoria (How to provide first aid to a major wound)
Last reviewed: May 2024
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