Pulmonary Contusion
 |
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- A pulmonary contusion is bruising of your lung tissue that may cause pain and trouble breathing. Your lungs are two sacs in your chest that get oxygen from the air you breathe. A pulmonary contusion is a common lung injury after a blunt (not sharp) trauma to your chest. The force of the trauma damages your lung cells, blood vessels, and other tissues. You may have fluid, such as blood, and swelling inside one or both of your lungs after the trauma. The blood and swelling in your lung forms the bruise that causes your pulmonary contusion.
- You may cough up blood, and have chest pain and trouble breathing. You may need a CT scan, x-ray or an ultrasound of the chest to learn about your pulmonary contusion. Blood tests that measure the oxygen in your blood may be done. You may be need oxygen given through a mask or through a tube connected to a breathing machine. Pain medicine and suctioning of secretions in your airways may help you breathe easier. Mild pulmonary contusions normally start to heal in 2 to 3 days. A mild pulmonary contusion may completely go away within 10 to 14 days. Treating your pulmonary contusion may resolve your breathing problems. Treatment may also resolve any chest injuries you have, and may save your life.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
- Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
Deep breathing and coughing: Deep breathing helps to open the air passages in your lungs. Coughing helps to bring up sputum from your lungs. You can deep breathe and cough on your own, or with the help of an incentive spirometer. An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you take deeper breaths.
CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:
- You have a fever (increased body temperature).
- Your skin becomes red, itches, and you have a new rash after taking your medicines.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment.
SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:
- You cough up blood.
- You feel dizzy or light-headed, or have passed out.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have a heavy or squeezing feeling in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes.
- You have pain that starts in your chest then spreads to your shoulders, neck, or arms.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
 |
Link to Page |  |
Print Page |  |
Email Page |
