Chest Trauma
Chest trauma covers injuries to the chest wall, lungs, heart, and great vessels from blunt or penetrating mechanisms. Severity ranges from minor bruising to immediately life-threatening injuries.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- ICD-10: S20–S29
When to Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
- Severe chest pain or breathing difficulty after injury
- Chest wall deformity
- Coughing up blood
- Penetrating chest wounds
- Severe weakness, paleness, or fainting
Common Chest Injuries
- Rib fractures
- Flail chest (multiple adjacent rib fractures)
- Pulmonary contusion (lung bruise)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Hemothorax (blood in chest)
- Cardiac contusion
- Sternal fracture
- Diaphragm injury
- Aortic injury (rare but often fatal)
Treatment
- Pain control to allow deep breathing (prevents pneumonia)
- Chest tube for pneumothorax or hemothorax
- Surgery for major vessel or organ injury
- Mechanical ventilation for severe lung injury
- Cardiac monitoring for contusion
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
References
- American College of Surgeons. ATLS Resources.