There are numerous injuries a person may suffer after a car crash, and these can range from minor to severe. Some of the most serious types of injuries occur when there has been trauma to the chest.
A common symptom of chest injuries is coughing. If you’ve been coughing after a car accident, what types of injuries may you have sustained?
Fractured ribs
If the chest has suffered trauma then it’s possible that one or more ribs may have been fractured. Not only is this painful, but it can also result in coughing. As you breathe in and out, the discomfort may become severe and coughing may occur.
While fractured ribs can be painful, this type of injury is usually not life-threatening if there is no damage to the internal organs. It can, however, take several weeks or months to fully heal from this type of injury.
Lung injuries
Coughing may also be a sign that your lungs have been damaged. During vehicle collisions, it is not uncommon for a lung to collapse. This can make it difficult for the individual to breathe and an incessant cough may occur.
Even if the lung has not fully collapsed, it’s possible that it might have been bruised. A bruised lung is often referred to as a pulmonary contusion and can be extremely uncomfortable and usually leads to coughing.
Coughing after a car accident could be a sign of serious injuries, so it’s important to get an evaluation from a medical professional. You should also seek legal guidance if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.