Breathing easier after a car crash bruises your lung
Breathing recovery through the eyes of a trauma clinician and a respiratory physiotherapist
A lung contusion is a bruise or bleeding inside the lung tissue. It happens after a hard blow to the chest. It can make it harder for oxygen to pass into your blood. You may also have broken ribs or a collapsed lung. A trauma clinician checks whether those injuries are stable. A respiratory physiotherapist helps you take deep breaths, clear mucus and move safely as you heal. [1]
Know where things stood when you left the hospital
Ask whether you still need oxygen and what your last chest imaging showed. Find out whether more imaging or a breathing test is planned. If you were given a breathing device or exercises, show your team how you use them. Ask what pain control will let you breathe deeply and cough. If pain stops you from doing either one, call your treating team. [1]
Balance rest with breathing and walking
Stick to the breathing and walking plan you were given. Short, frequent bouts of movement may be easier than one long session. If the team suggested it, brace your chest when you cough. Avoid smoking, and ask for help quitting if you need it. Do not push through shortness of breath to hit an exercise goal. Your safe pace depends on how much oxygen you need and on your other crash injuries. [1, 2]
Changes that need care
Get emergency help for shortness of breath that comes on suddenly or keeps getting worse. Blue lips, fainting and severe chest pain need emergency help too. Contact your care team promptly if you have a fever or start coughing up mucus that’s a new color. Call too if your cough keeps growing or your pain medicine no longer eases pain enough for deep breaths. These may be signs of infection or another chest problem. [1, 2]
Questions about your lungs and ribs
- What did the scan show about my lungs and ribs?
- Which breathing exercises are safe for me, and how active can I be?
- Do I need oxygen or follow up chest imaging?
Rehearse your breathing routine before you leave
Sources and further reading
The information here is general, drawn from trauma care and respiratory physiotherapy. Trouble breathing can get worse fast. Follow the oxygen, exercise and follow up instructions you were given.
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