Every day people across the country receive emergency medical treatment following a car accident.
While some are diagnosed with minor injuries, others are not so fortunate as they have sustained an injury severe in nature.
One such injury is a pneumothorax.
Better known as a collapsed lung, it occurs when air fills the space between the chest wall and lungs. As air fills the space, it pushes on the outside of the lung causing it to collapse.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms of a collapsed lung including:
- Pain that radiates to the shoulder and/or back
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Painful breathing
- Sharp chest pain, usually on one side
- A dry hacking cough that may be due to irritation of the diaphragm
Diagnosis
To diagnose a collapsed lung, doctors use a chest x-ray or CT scan. But first they will assess the patient and look for other signs such as a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and low levels of blood oxygen.
Treatment
How doctors treat a collapsed lung depends on the severity. A minor collapse can heal on its own under the watchful eye of the doctor who will make sure the excess air has totally absorbed and the lung has re-expanded, while a severe collapse requires that a needle or chest tube be inserted between the lungs to remove excess air and re-expand the lung.
If you have sustained a collapsed lung due to another motorist’s negligence, please contact us. We will determine if you have a valid claim and fight hard for the settlement you deserve.
