Lung injuries

Lung injuries are caused by a direct impact to your chest, such as from:

• a sharp object, including a broken rib
• a fall or sports injury
• your chest being squeezed really hard.

Types of lung injuries include:

• air getting into the space around your lung due to a hole in the protective lining (collapsed lung — pneumothorax)
• blood getting into the space around your lung reducing how much you can breathe in (haemothorax)
• bruised lungs (pulmonary contusion)
• fluid getting into your lungs making it harder for your body to absorb oxygen.

The main symptom of a lung injury is difficulty breathing — you may only be able to do short shallow breaths or feel like you are out of breath. Other symptoms can include:

• coughing or wheezing
• chest pain
• bruising on your chest
• coughing up blood
• your skin turning blue.

Symptoms can appear right after an injury or days later, with only mild symptoms appearing first.

Lung injuries can cause other serious complications, such as:

• pneumonia (chest infection)
• low levels of oxygen in your blood and body tissue
• having too much carbon dioxide in your blood.

Healthcare providers will usually get images of your lungs to diagnose the type of injury. These may be an x-ray, CT scan or ultrasound.

Depending on the type of injury you may only need bed rest and pain medication. For serious injuries you may need:

• oxygen therapy to help your body get enough oxygen to function properly
• a chest drain to remove any air or blood from around your lungs
• surgery to fix your lungs
• surgery to remove a blood clot from inside your lung.

There are things you can do to help your lungs recover.

• Do regular breathing exercises — take 10 slow, deep breaths every hour while you are awake to let your lungs fully expand.
• Take regular pain relief so you can take deep breaths and cough easily. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will be able to advise what is best for you.
• Plan a rest time during the day if you are getting tired easily.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of constipation.

Driving and other activities

To help your ribs and sternum heal after an injury, you should avoid:

• driving a vehicle for at least 2 to 3 weeks
• aggressive or physically active sports and activities for at least 3 months
• flying for at least 2 weeks — check your airline for specific medical information
• sudden movements, such as stretching, lifting or pulling
• standing for long periods.

When to get help after a lung injury

Call 111 for an ambulance if you:

• get new shortness of breath
• have fast, shallow breaths
• get new chest pain and dizziness.