Pulmonary Contusion

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Discharge
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A pulmonary contusion is bruising or bleeding of your lung tissue that may cause pain and trouble breathing.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You cough up blood.
• You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain or a heavy feeling in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes.
• You have pain that starts in your chest and spreads to your shoulders, neck, or arms.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• Your skin becomes red, itches, and you develop a rash after you take your medicines.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Breathe deeply and cough:

This helps to open the air passages and bring up sputum from your lungs. You can breathe deeply 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.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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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.

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