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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

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.
  
  
• 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 © 2011. Thomson Reuters. 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.

Learn more about Pulmonary Contusion (Discharge Care)