If you have bruised ribs, it is important to rest and protect the injured area. Here are some steps you can take to care for your bruised ribs:

• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Take pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), as recommended by your doctor.
• Do slow deep-breathing and gentle coughing exercises every 2 hours to get rid of the mucous from your lungs and prevent partial lung collapse.
• Rest and restrict your activities to allow your ribs to heal.
• Seek medical attention to rule out rib fractures and complications such as pneumothorax or a collapsed lung.
• If your breathing is affected, your doctor may recommend medication or specific breathing techniques.

Most bruised ribs will heal on their own within 3 to 6 weeks. However, if your pain is not improving after a few weeks, or if you are coughing up yellow or green mucus, it is important to seek medical advice.