What are the signs of a rib fracture?

Severe pain: Severe usually sharp pain of the chest wall increasing with movements, other conditions can cause that as well, so the only way to be sure is to have an x-ray of the ribs.

Usually trauma: If hit, motor vehicle, punch, gun shot there are some variations. Usually tender, short of breath due to pain, may feel motion or crunch. Worry about lung, blood vessels etc. Depending on the specific trauma.

Rib pain : Pain Shortness of breath Shallow breathing Pain during sleep, sneezing, coughing