Introduction
A chest contusion is a deep bruise to the chest. Contusions are usually the result of a blunt injury to tissues, which are muscle fibers under the skin. The injury can damage the small blood vessels under the skin, which in turn causes bleeding under the skin. The skin overlying the contusion may turn blue, purple, or yellow. Minor injuries may give your child a painless contusion, but more severe contusions may stay painful and swollen for a few weeks.
What are the causes?
Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of chest contusions in children. Other common causes include:
Falls.
Bicycle injuries.
Contact sport injuries.
Physical violence.
What increases the risk?
Your child may be at higher risk for a chest contusion if he or she: …show more content…
Pain and tenderness of the chest.
Discomfort with certain movements of the upper torso.
Discoloration of the chest. The area may have redness and then turn blue, purple, or yellow.
Discomfort when taking deep breaths.
How is this diagnosed?
A chest contusion is diagnosed from a physical exam and your child’s medical history. An X-ray may be needed to determine if there were other injuries, such as broken bones (fractures). Sometimes other imaging tests such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be needed if internal injuries are suspected. A test that shows the amount of oxygen in your child’s blood (pulse oximetry) may be done if your child has trouble breathing.
How is this treated?
Often, the best treatment for a chest contusion is resting, icing, and applying cold compresses to the injured area. Deep breathing exercises may be recommended to reduce the risk of pneumonia. Over-the-counter medicines may also be recommended for pain control. In severe cases, surgery may be done to repair broken bones or other internal injuries.
Follow these instructions at home:
Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling
If directed, apply ice to the injured area.
Put ice in a plastic