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A bruised lung can happen after a blow to the chest and may cause fluid buildup in the lungs. It’s important to see a doctor if you have chest pain or difficulty breathing after a chest

injury. You may need urgent treatment. A bruised lung often occurs after a blow to the chest. The blunt impact can damage blood vessels, causing blood and fluid to build up in your lungs.

Too much fluid in your lungs can reduce the amount of oxygen your body receives. A pulmonary contusion is the most common injury to the lung in people who experience blunt trauma to the

chest. A bruised lung is also called a pulmonary contusion. Left unchecked, bruised lungs can have life-threatening consequences. A pulmonary contusion is the result of injury to the small

blood vessels of the lungs. It’s not related to tears in the lung tissue. What causes a bruised lung? Pulmonary contusions are most often the result of a direct blow or trauma to the chest.

Car accidents and falls are the most common cause of lung bruising. Sports injuries or physical assaults can be other causes as well. The risks of serious complications are highest when more

than 20 percent of the lung has been bruised. Serious complications include respiratory infections, deep lung infections, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These conditions

are often accompanied by low oxygen levels as well. Depending on the amount of lung tissue that has been bruised, the lungs can take days or weeks to heal. If the initial pain has not

improved after a few days, schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss treatment. Bruised lung symptoms A pulmonary contusion often shows few symptoms in the beginning. Pain is the most

common symptom. If your pain is not improving or getting worse within three days or is accompanied by shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms you may

experience with a bruised lung can include: * chest pain * shortness of breath * difficulty breathing, or pain while breathing * coughing * increased heart rate * low energy More severe

signs and symptoms of a pulmonary contusion can include: * wheezing * cyanosis, or blue-tinged skin from lack of oxygen * crackling sound in the chest * shallow or fast breathing *

hemoptysis, or coughing up blood * cool or clammy skin * low blood pressure Any of these symptoms should prompt you to seek immediate medical care. Blunt impact to the chest can bruise your

lungs and cause a number of other problems. Common injuries that can occur alongside a lung contusion include: * broken ribs * lung tear or laceration * broken bones of the spine * blood in

the chest cavity (hemothorax) * collapsed lung (pneumothorax) * injuries to abdominal organs Treating a pulmonary contusion Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Doctors will

check your symptoms and may order a number of tests to determine how much fluid, if any, has entered into your lungs. These tests can also identify any additional injuries occurring

alongside a bruised lung. Some tests doctors may use to check the extent of your injuries include: * chest X-ray * ultrasound * CT scans of the chest * tests for oxygen levels The primary

goal of treatment is to increase oxygen flow and reduce pain. Time is needed for the lung tissue to heal. There is no specific medication or treatment currently known to speed up the healing

process of a lung contusion. Doctors typically recommend oxygen therapy to ease breathing. If you are unable to breathe on your own, they may put you on a ventilator to assist your lungs in

breathing regularly. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce pain and bruising to the lungs. If there is any fluid in your lungs, you may need a variety of treatments, including

breathing support such as BiPap or CPAP to increase oxygen flow. Once you’re home, deep breathing exercises can improve airflow through your lungs and help speed your recovery. Outlook An

intense blow to the chest or sudden impact can cause a bruised lung (pulmonary contusion). Pain and injury can range from minor to severe. If accompanied by shortness of breath or difficulty

breathing, seek immediate medical attention. Any significant trauma to the chest, such as a car accident or fall, should be evaluated in the emergency room to assess the extent of injury.

Left unchecked, a pulmonary contusion can cause life-threatening complications. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.