METHOD OF RELIEVING PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH FRACTURED RIBS

摘要

A method of relieving pain resulting from breathing in a patient with fractured ribs, wherein the breathing causes movement of the fractured portion of the ribs. A positive airway pressure machine is attached to the nose, mouth, or both of the patient. The patient turns the machine on to produce a positive airway pressure in the airway or airways of the lungs and adjusts the positive airway pressure to a-level where the positive airway pressure relieves pain produced by breathing. The method allows a patient with fractured ribs to sleep comfortably without the pain associated with the breathing-related movement of the fractured portion of the ribs, and also promotes the healing and recovery of the fractured ribs.