Car accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries of different types. Often, during a collision, the chest is one of the most exposed areas.
A blow to the chest can result in internal injuries, such as a punctured or collapsed lung, also called a pneumothorax. How serious is this injury and what are some of the common symptoms?
The varying degrees of pneumothorax
In some cases, the damage to the lung may be relatively minor. For a small pneumothorax doctors often administer oxygen and recommend rest until the damage heals on its own.
Large pneumothoraces, on the other hand, are much more serious. Such injuries can even be life-threatening. Generally, emergency treatment will be required, such as draining the air from the lung and inserting a chest tube. The lung will have to be medically inflated again, which can take several days.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of pneumothorax vary but some common factors to look out for include:
- Increased heart rate
- Tightness in the chest
- Hyperventilation
- Blue skin
- Fatigue
- Any other form of respiratory discomfort
The best way to rule out lung injuries is to get a thorough examination after an accident. Internal injuries are not always immediately obvious, and medical scans may be the only way to rule them out.
The lungs are a vital organ and humans cannot function without them. Any kind of breathing difficulties after a crash should be treated as a medical emergency.
If you were injured in a car crash that was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. The more legal information you have, the better prepared you are to fight for your rights.
