chest injury is physical trauma to the chest, often from blunt force like a car accident or falls, or penetrating wounds such as stabbings. Serious symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and signs of shock, which require immediate emergency medical attention. Treatment f...
chest injury is physical trauma to the chest, often from blunt force like a car accident or falls, or penetrating wounds such as stabbings. Serious symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and signs of shock, which require immediate emergency medical attention. Treatment for less severe cases, like bruised or broken ribs, involves pain management, rest, and breathing exercises.
When to seek immediate medical help
Go to the emergency department immediately if you or someone else experiences:
Sudden shortness of breath
Severe difficulty breathing
Signs of shock
An irregular pulse
A feeling of "impending doom"
Any penetrating object in the chest should NOT be removed.
Types of chest injuries
Blunt trauma: Caused by impact from a direct blow, car accident, or fall. This can lead to fractures, lung contusions, and other serious injuries.
Penetrating trauma: Caused by a stab wound or gunshot.
Flail chest: A condition where a section of the ribs is broken into two or more places, causing a portion of the chest to move independently, making breathing difficult.
Tension pneumothorax: Air trapped in the space between the lung and chest wall that can collapse the lung and shift the heart and other major vessels.
First aid and home care
Call for emergency help: If the injury is severe, call an ambulance immediately.
Apply pressure: If there is bleeding, cover the area with a clean cloth and apply pressure. Remove it if it makes things worse.
Do not remove objects: If an object is lodged in the chest, do not remove it. Place bandages around it to keep it in place.
Rest: Protect the injured area and avoid activities that cause pain.
Cold and heat therapy: Apply an ice or cold pack for 10-20 minutes at a time. After 2-3 days, a heating pad on low can be used if swelling is gone.
Pain management: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by a doctor, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Breathing exercises: Even if it hurts, try to take a deep breath at least once an hour to prevent pneumonia and lung collapse. You can hold a pillow against the chest to help with the pain.