If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident in Oklahoma, there is a chance that you may sustain a flail chest. This is a serious injury that occurs when multiple ribs are broken in two or more places, causing them to move independently from the rest of the chest wall. It’s important to understand the symptoms of a flail chest so that you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible.
Bruising or discoloration
Usually, there will be some bruising or discoloration around the area of the injury. This is caused by bleeding from the broken ribs. It may also be a result of the impact of the accident itself.
Shortness of breath
It’s common for people to experience shortness of breath after motorcycle accidents, especially if they get a flail chest. This is because your lungs are not able to expand as much as they normally would. As a result, you may feel like you can’t catch your breath or like you’re suffocating. If a sharp pain accompanies this, it could be a sign of a punctured lung.
Sharp or severe pain
This pain will be severe and may radiate from the area of the accident injury. It can make it difficult to breathe, cough or even move. The pain may also get worse when you try to take a deep breath.
Severe coughing
Another symptom of a flail chest is a severe cough. This is usually caused by the broken ribs irritating the lungs. The cough may be dry or productive and can be accompanied by wheezing or difficulty breathing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A flail chest is a serious injury that can have long-lasting effects if it’s not treated properly. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own.