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Serious chest injury (flail chest, bruised lung, or bleeding in the chest)

Also called: Flail chest, bruised lung, hemothorax, serious chest injury

Serious chest injuries from crashes or falls causing trouble breathing, chest pain, and possibly bleeding into the chest.

EmergencyYes

Overview

Several broken ribs can make part of the chest move the wrong way when breathing (flail chest).

Bleeding into the chest or a bruised lung can make breathing worse over hours.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Trouble breathing after injury
  • Severe chest pain
  • Part of the chest moving oddly

When to get medical care

Call 911Call 911 now for: trouble breathing after injury, severe chest pain, part of the chest moving oddly.
Get care todayMilder symptoms that could be early signs.
See a doctor soonQuestions about lowering your risk.

Causes

Trauma.

Diagnosis

This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • CT:

Treatment

Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:

Self-care

  • Call 911

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Seat belts
  • Fall prevention

Which doctor treats this

  • Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
  • They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Older adults: Rib injuries are more dangerous.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most recover with hospital care and pain control.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What follow-up care do I need?
  • How can I prevent this from happening again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Serious chest injury (flail chest, bruised lung, or bleeding in the chest)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.