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Essay On Pulmonary Contusion

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Pulmonary Contusion

A pulmonary contusion is a deep bruise to the tissues of the lung. The lungs bring oxygen into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide that the body cannot use. A pulmonary contusion causes the lung tissue to swell and bleed into the surrounding area. This interferes with the ability of the lungs to function. You may feel short of breath because you are not getting enough oxygen.

CAUSES
This condition is usually caused by a chest injury, such as an injury from:
• A car crash.
• A severe fall, especially from a high height.
• Being near an explosion.
• A sports injury.
• A crush injury, such as from industrial or farming machinery.
• A physical assault, especially if struck in the chest with a blunt object.
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This may be needed if you have difficulty breathing and have low blood oxygen. In severe cases, you may need to have a tube placed in your throat and a machine (ventilator) to help with breathing.
• Surgery if a blood vessel continues to bleed uncontrollably or if the lung has been punctured.
Initial treatment for this condition is often given in an emergency department.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not take aspirin for the first few days, because this may increase bruising.
• Continue to do deep breathing exercises. Use an incentive spirometer for deep breathing exercises as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities only as told by your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about:
○ What activities are safe for you.
○ When you can return to driving, work, school, and sports.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have shaking chills.
• You cough up mucus.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have difficulty breathing and it is getting worse.
• Your chest pain gets worse.
• You cough up

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