A lung injury suffered in a car accident can be terrifying because you can feel inherently that it is very serious. You know that it could even be fatal. With serious injuries where you’re struggling to breathe, it may take all the assistance that the emergency crews can provide just to help you pull through.
However, you may not know how severely you’ve been injured instantly. You have a rush of adrenaline that can hide pain, and internal injuries often go unnoticed — or, at least, people do not realize just how serious they are. How do you know if you have suffered a lung injury? Some potential symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath. Even when you can breathe, it’s difficult and never feels complete.
- A persistent cough. Be extra wary if you cough up blood.
- An increased heart rate. Your blood carries oxygen throughout the body. If you’re not getting enough oxygen, it can attempt to move what you are inhaling more quickly.
- A blue hue around your lips and nails. This means that your blood needs more oxygen, and it’s often most obvious at places that are farthest from the heart or the major blood vessels.
- Significant chest pain. The worst sign is when the pain gets more acute while inhaling.
- Spiking a temperature. Be cautious if you experience a fever after your accident.
Any of these symptoms could mean that it is time to seek medical attention. Do not put it off. Talk to a doctor if you think there is any chance you suffered a lung injury. Then take the time to look into your options to seek compensation for those medical bills.
