Rib contusion may become increasingly painful if there is a pleural effusion leading to infection, and if the localized pain is significant and long-lasting, a linear fracture may be present. After the rib contusion occurs, it may be complicated by lung contusion or inflammation inside the chest cavity, at which time it is possible to produce inflammatory exudation inside the pleural cavity, which then leads to pleural effusion, and in the early stage of acute pleurisy, there may be obvious chest pain, and the pain is aggravated by inhalation. If the localized pain from a rib contusion is significant and persistent, there may be a linear fracture, which is usually exacerbated by deep breathing, pressure on the injured area, and bending or twisting of the body. If a rib contusion patient experiences significant and prolonged pain while recuperating at home, it is important to go to the hospital to find out if there are any complications such as pleural effusion or linear fracture of the ribs, and to cooperate with the doctor’s treatment.