Complications of Fractured Ribs
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Chest injuries are common following car accidents in Oklahoma. They may be less obvious at the time of the crash but are often some of the most serious auto accident injuries. Many people involved in auto accidents are in shock and have high levels of adrenaline surging through their bodies. This means it could take days, weeks, or longer before you become realize you have a chest injury.
When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to visit a physician experienced in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating car accident injuries. The Tulsa community can rely on auto accident specialist Robert Mitchell, MD, and the team at Tulsa Accident Care Center for the highest level of care following your auto accident.
Because injuries aren’t always fully apparent after a car accident, being evaluated by a physician right away is important whether or not you have signs of injury.
There are many ways you can injure your chest during a car crash. Hitting your chest on the components of the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, commonly causes chest injuries. Even airbag deployment can injure your chest. A blow that may seem minor can cause issues such as breathing problems and pain.
What’s more, injuring your chest may cause damage to the organs that your ribs protect, such as the kidneys and spleen. Additionally, car accidents commonly cause damage to the sternum (breastbone). It’s also possible to fracture your ribs.
Several important body systems can sustain damage from a car accident that involves a blow to the chest. Here are four common signs of chest injuries:
If you experience difficulty taking a full breath at any point following a car accident, it’s time to see a doctor. This may mean that the blood vessels or organs in your chest, such as your lungs, have been damaged. Symptoms include shortness of breath, pain upon inhaling or exhaling, and rapid breathing.
Chest tenderness, pain, or discomfort following a car crash can be clues that you may have injured your chest. Whether or not you recall hitting your chest in the accident, it’s imperative to seek medical evaluation. The intensity of the pain isn’t a reliable indicator of the severity of your injury, so don’t delay. Even mild chest discomfort may indicate a serious injury.
Abdominal pain following a blow to the chest is a serious warning sign. Organs, such as your spleen, are located in the abdominal area. Damage to the spleen requires immediate medical attention. A blow to the left lower chest can cause the spleen to rupture. It’s especially crucial to seek medical attention if your abdominal pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and sweating.
An injury to your kidneys due to a blow to the chest may cause symptoms related to fluid regulation. Signs to look out for include decreased urine output and swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet that indicates fluid retention.
Tulsa Accident Care Center has the tools to promptly and accurately diagnose chest injuries.
You can’t predict a car crash, but you can ensure that you get the best care afterward. Don’t put off visiting a doctor when you’re in a car wreck. It’s important to see an experienced personal injury doctor as soon as possible.
Schedule a visit with us at the Tulsa Accident Care Center to get the care and guidance you need. Call our office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or book your appointment online today.
