After an accident, it is important to identify any injuries so they can be treated as soon as possible. Sustaining a direct blow or trauma to the chest can result in difficulties breathing and chronic pain and could be life-threatening if not treated properly. It is important to know the signs of a bruised lung, also called a pulmonary contusion, because this is one of the more severe types of chest injuries.
If you believe you have a pulmonary contusion and your injury resulted from a crash caused by another driver, you might qualify for compensation. Trust an Okemos car accident lawyer from White Law PLLC to be by your side and fight for your rights.
Common Causes of Pulmonary Contusions
A pulmonary contusion is a bruise occurring in the lungs, which creates bleeding, fluid buildup, and swelling in this vital organ. When traumatic force is applied to the chest, blood vessels in the lungs can get damaged. Both blunt force trauma and penetrating injuries can cause a pulmonary contusion.
Car accidents are the leading cause of pulmonary contusions, and a personal injury lawyer can help you sue for damages. Accident victims who experience chest injuries most often develop this type of contusion from slamming into the steering wheel, airbags deploying, or even a seat belt. According to the Cleveland Clinic, children face an elevated risk of experiencing severe complications.
When you breathe, air enters your lungs, and blood cells absorb that incoming oxygen, removing carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. When the lungs are damaged, inflammation, swelling, and fluid accumulation can reduce the ability of the lungs to expand and exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. This can cause a compromised gas exchange where oxygen levels can decrease, leading to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and symptoms such as cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) and trouble breathing.
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Signs of a Pulmonary Contusion After a Crash
Symptoms may not occur right away, which means that it could be hours or even days after your accident before you notice. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately to determine whether you require treatment. Common symptoms of pulmonary contusions include:
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing blood
- Bruises on your chest
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath are two of the primary signs of pulmonary contusions, but these symptoms do not always occur or could occur at a later stage. If you have sustained an injury to your chest, seek medical attention at a hospital or urgent care center where they can examine you further.
Possible Hidden Injuries
If you were involved in a car accident, you may appear unharmed while having invisible injuries. If you have an injury that penetrated the skin, you may be focused on wound care while missing internal bleeding or a more serious injury like a pulmonary contusion. Some injuries also take time to develop and may not immediately give you any symptoms.
Seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider is crucial to catch issues early on to improve the chances of recovery and reduce the likelihood of complications. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your condition and ensure your condition is stable while you recover.
In addition to seeking immediate medical attention, it is important to communicate any discomfort or unusual sensations you experience, as these could indicate underlying injuries. Even seemingly minor symptoms such as headaches or dizziness should not be dismissed, as they could signal deeper issues.
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Diagnosing a Bruised Lung
Healthcare providers will not rely on symptoms alone to diagnose your pulmonary contusion. Obtaining a diagnosis includes a mix of physical examinations, imaging, and other assessments, including:
Physical Examination
Your healthcare provider will begin by performing a physical examination. This will involve checking your heart rate, listening to your lungs, and checking for bruises on your chest. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also experience cyanosis, which is when the skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen.
Chest X-Rays
Chest X-rays are the most common imaging used to diagnose pulmonary contusions, revealing any bruising, swelling, and fluid buildup. Your doctor may choose to take several X-rays over a few hours because pulmonary contusions can take time to develop. X-rays can also be helpful in diagnosing other injuries, like broken ribs, that may have been caused by your accident.
CT Scans
Utilizing a CT (computed tomography) scan provides a more comprehensive view of the lungs and chest cavity. It can assist in identifying lung injuries such as minor fractures, lung contusions, and other important details that an X-ray might not show.
Pulmonary Tests
A pulse oximeter can also be helpful for diagnosis as it is a quick method to measure the amount of oxygen that is in your bloodstream. Other pulmonary tests can measure lung capacity and breathing rate.
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Treatment and Recovery for Pulmonary Contusions
Treatment for pulmonary contusions varies based on the severity of the injury. Your healthcare team will monitor you and make sure you are stable before sending you home. Some severe cases may require a hospital stay. Treatments can include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain medications
- Fluid drainage
- Mechanical ventilation
- Surgery
While recovering, drink plenty of fluids and practice pulmonary hygiene, which includes coughing to help clear mucus from the airways. Pneumonia develops in as many as 20% of individuals who have suffered a pulmonary contusion. Pulmonary contusions can heal within several weeks or a couple of months. Continue your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and check in at their recommended intervals to ensure a full recovery.
Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney
Living in Michigan, a “no-fault” insurance state, ensures your insurance coverage compensates for medical bills and property losses, no matter who is at fault in the crash. Nevertheless, for severe injuries or those from out-of-state drivers, you have the option to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming; seek help from our team of car accident attorneys to support you in making the best recovery possible.
Our dedicated team will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the car accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on your life, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly on your behalf. Contact White Law PLLC to examine your case today, schedule a consultation, and learn more about how we can assist you.
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