Blunt Chest Trauma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Blunt chest trauma
is sudden, forceful injury to your chest. It is often caused by a car or motorcycle accident, blast injury, or a fall. It may also be caused by a sports injury, such as a hit from a baseball. It may be painful to take deep breaths, cough, and sleep. It can take up to 6 weeks for your injury to heal completely.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a fever
- You become short of breath
- You cough up yellow, green, or bloody sputum.
- You have new or increased pain.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your pain does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- Your pain lasts longer than 8 weeks.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for blunt chest trauma
may include prescription medicine to decrease your pain. Your healthcare provider may also recommend you to take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Ask how to take these medicines safely. Take the medicine on a regular schedule to manage your pain.
Self care:
- Deep breathe and cough to help prevent pneumonia. Take 10 deep breaths every hour, even when you wake up during the night. Brace your ribs with your hands or a pillow while you take deep breaths or cough. This will help decrease your pain.
- Use your incentive spirometer to help you take deeper breaths. Put the plastic piece into your mouth and take a very deep breath. Hold your breath as long as you can. Then let out your breath. Do this 10 times in a row every hour while you are awake.
- Sleep in a recliner or upright position, the first few nights, to decrease the pain.
- Keep moving around your home. Do not stay in bed. Take short walks. This will help your lungs work properly and decrease your risk for pneumonia.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals decrease the amount of oxygen in your body. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 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 Blunt Chest Trauma
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
