Although most West Virginia drivers are safe and responsible, car accidents can still occur in the blink of an eye. Some collisions are severe enough to leave people reeling from chest injuries. Pay attention to these types of chest pain that signify you’ve suffered an injury.
Causes of chest pain from car accidents
Chest pain is one of the biggest signs of a car accident injury. It can develop upon the impact of an accident when your upper body violently jolts forward into the steering wheel, dashboard, seatbelt or projectiles. This type of blunt-force trauma can result in pain and chest injuries that may range from mild to severe.
Chest injuries and pain symptoms
After a car accident, different types of chest pain can occur based on the specific injury you’ve sustained. If you have bruised or fractured ribs, you may experience shortness of breath and pain that worsens when you deeply inhale, cough or sneeze. Your chest also hurts more to the touch with this injury. Rib injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
A punctured lung can occur when an object penetrates your chest. You may feel severe pain on the affected side and have trouble breathing, faster heart rate, dizziness and cyanosis or bluish skin. which indicates a lack of oxygen. This type of chest injury is serious and requires immediate medical attention.
One of the most common causes of chest pain stemming from car accidents is a fractured sternum. This injury often occurs when your body is thrown against the steering wheel or deployed airbag. You may experience other symptoms such as swelling, tenderness, shortness of breath and worsening pain upon coughing, sneezing or deep inhalations.
Chest pain should be considered a medical emergency in any situation where you have trouble breathing. The best thing to do after a car accident is to seek immediate medical attention.
