Flail chest is a medical emergency that occurs when multiple ribs are broken in several places, creating an unstable section of the chest wall that may move differently from the rest of the chest during breathing.
Severe chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Rapid shallow breathing
Chest tenderness
Bruising or swelling
Uneven chest movement
Reduced ability to take a deep breath
Rapid heart rate
Severe pain with every breath
Feeling unable to take a full breath
Chest wall feels unstable
Sharp pain with coughing or movement
Shortness of breath
Feeling weak, panicked, or exhausted
Motor vehicle collisions
Major falls
Crushing injuries
High-impact sports collisions
Direct blows to the chest
Severe blunt chest trauma
Look for severe pain after major chest trauma
Watch whether one section of the chest moves inward while breathing in
Check for rapid or difficult breathing
Look for extensive bruising or deformity
Do not press on or repeatedly test the chest wall
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
1Call emergency services immediately
2Keep the person still and calm
3Do not wrap or tightly bind the chest
4Do not give food or drink
5Support breathing as directed by emergency personnel
6Do not allow return to activity
Uneven or opposite chest wall movement
Severe difficulty breathing
Blue or pale lips
Confusion or loss of consciousness
Coughing up blood
Rapidly worsening chest pain
Signs of shock
Major chest trauma
Recovery may take several months
Follow breathing and pain-management instructions
Complete respiratory therapy if prescribed
Avoid smoking and contact sports
Increase activity only after medical clearance
Attend all follow-up appointments
Report new breathing problems immediately
For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.