Chest bruise
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Contusion of the chest - a frequent phenomenon in traumatology, associated with domestic, sports, production and other reasons. This condition is any collision of the soft tissues of the human body with a hard, blunt object, often the bruise of the chest arises from a fall. Since the chest also has soft tissues, it is subject to injuries of varying severity. Skin covers, despite the fact that they are the first to face damage, suffer less than pleura and lung tissue.
Moreover, if the bruise of the chest was very strong, the function of the heart, up to a traumatic heart attack due to the squeezing of the lungs, edema and respiratory failure, could suffer. As a closed injury, the bruise of the chest can be divided into two categories - with damage to the carcass, that is, fractures of the ribs and without damage to the carcass, that is, squeezing and concussion. Differentiating these two groups helps both the examination and the x-ray examination.
[Chest bruise with fractured ribs
Fracture of the ribs as a result of chest damage occurs quite often, especially for older people, in whom the bone system is very vulnerable and loses its elasticity. If the bruise of the chest is accompanied by a fracture of the ribs - this is fraught with hemothorax and pneumothorax. It is also dangerous and subcutaneous emphysema, which occurs as a result of displacement of the mediastinum. The lung is squeezed by the air accumulated in the pleura, it also moves the mediastinum to the undamaged side. Emphysema with adequate therapy resolves itself and does not require surgical intervention. If the vessels between the ribs are damaged, there is a rupture of the lung, bleeding forms hemothorax. It can be bilateral, which is life-threatening because of possible asphyxia. A one-sided, local form resolves itself or by puncture and parallel therapy with antibiotics.
Particular attention should be paid to pneumothorax, which can be closed, open and valve. Air in the pleural cavity, especially with the open form of the disease, can lead to pathology of the broncho-pulmonary system up to onokoprotsessa. Respiratory function through the open pleura is fraught with infection, therefore the diagnosed open form due to such trauma as a chest contusion must be quickly closed with an occlusive dressing. Valve form is supervised by means of punctures and drainage.
How to determine the bruise of the chest?
Symptoms and symptoms are as follows:
- Increased pain when inhaled or exhaled;
- At the site of the injury there may be swelling, small hemorrhages, less often - hematoma;
- Severe pain during palpation indicates a possible fracture of the ribs (ribs);
- Stop breathing, cyanosis, loss of consciousness - symptoms of heart failure;
- Falling blood pressure and heart rate;
- Subcutaneous emphysema is a symptom of pleural injury;
A bruised chest can lead to very serious consequences such as closed tissue, organ fractures, bone system fractures.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Chest bruise: treatment and care of the patient
Like any other serious injury, a bruised chest requires a doctor's examination, diagnosis and therapeutic measures. As an independent action, it is only possible to apply a tight bandage to reduce pain. The sufferer needs complete peace and cold compresses to the place of injury, which change every 20-30 minutes. If the bruise of the chest is accompanied by severe pain, you can take an anesthetic, but it should not replace a visit to the doctor or call him at home. If there are symptoms of cyanosis (blue lips, face), shortness of breath, the patient should be raised to facilitate breathing and immediately call an ambulance.
Medical assistance consists of an X-ray examination, possible hospitalization and the appointment of appropriate treatment. These can be both novocain blockades, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. In the future, with a favorable outcome, physiotherapeutic procedures are shown. Painful sensations decrease gradually within a month.
The bruise of the chest manifests itself as a characteristic clinical symptom, is quickly diagnosed, with timely application for medical care has a high curability and a favorable prognosis.