A pulmonary contusion is a bruise -like injury to the lungs.
A pulmonary contusion is caused by blunt trauma or occasionally by penetrating trauma to the chest wall.
Factors that may increase the risk of pulmonary contusion include:
Symptoms may not occur right away but can develop and worsen 24-48 hours after the injury. Symptoms can include:
You will be asked about how you got injured, your symptoms, and your medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your bodily fluids may be tested with blood tests to look for signs of internal bleeding.
Images may be taken of your chest to look for evidence of damage to lung tissue or other chest structures. This can be done with:
A pulmonary contusion can also result in complications, such as a collapsed lung or chest bleeding. It may also go along with other chest injuries, such as broken ribs or lung laceration. These injuries can interfere with the ability to breathe properly. Without proper treatment, complications, such as pneumonia, may result.
Treatment will depend on the severity of your injury and other injuries you may also have. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Close monitoring will be needed. Emergency care may include:
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication may be advised to reduce pain.
Prevention will depend on the cause, but may include:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Trauma.org
Health Canada
Trauma Association of Canada
Chest trauma. Trauma.org website. Available at: http://www.trauma.org/archive/thoracic/CHESTcontusion.html. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Pulmonary contusion. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/thoracic-trauma/pulmonary-contusion. Updated January 2017. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Pulmonary contusion. Radiopaedia.org website. Available at: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pulmonary-contusion. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Pulmonary contusion. University of Connecticut—Korey Stringer Institute website. Available at: http://ksi.uconn.edu/emergency-conditions/internal-trauma/pulmonary-contusion. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Pulmonary contusion—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T908625/Pulmonary-contusion-e...gency-management. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.