Trouble Breathing After an Auto Accident
There are numerous medical complications that someone could face after a car accident, and one of these is difficulty breathing. When a car accident happens, it is essential for everyone to take a deep breath and assess the situation. Some of the signs of respiratory distress include:
- Having trouble catching one’s breath
- A high heart rate
- Breathing quickly
- Coughing significantly, particularly if there is blood coming up
- Turning blue
Causes of Respiratory Distress
Some of the possible causes of difficulty breathing following a traumatic accident include:
Anxiety: Sometimes, individuals can have trouble breathing purely from anxiety. They might be worried about the situation and are hyperventilating as a result.
Collapsed Lung: Individuals might also have trouble breathing because of a collapsed lung, called pneumothorax. In this injury, the area around the lung has been punctured and filled with air. The air outside of the lung will collapse it, making it difficult for people to breathe.
Pain from a Fracture: Individuals with a rib fracture will also have trouble breathing. As the lung expands and contracts with the breathing cycle, the broken rib will move, leading to severe pain.
Trouble breathing is a medical emergency and should be treated as such.
Reviewing the Treatment Options
If an individual is having trouble breathing, the treatment option will depend on the exact reason why the individual cannot breathe. In most cases, the individual will be given some supplemental oxygen. Other treatment options include:
- For anxiety – breathing into a paper bag.
- For a collapsed lung – getting an emergent needle decompression followed by the insertion of a chest tube.
- For a rib fracture – taking pain medication. If multiple ribs are broken, this could be a sign of a serious injury called flail chest.
Respiratory distress is one of the most common problems seen after an auto accident.
Watch YouTube Video: Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome – This animated video provides an overview of some of the treatments of acute respiratory distress.
Assistance from an Injury Attorney
Following a severe accident, it is critical to seek medical care as quickly as possible. For those who have trouble breathing, this is a medical emergency. It can be hard to see a loved one like this, and the situation can feel overwhelming. This is why it is important for families to ask for help during this time. Meeting with an auto accident attorney in Sacramento can help a family find answers to their questions. Some of the ways that an injury lawyer can help include:
- Pursuing damages that could be related to the accident, its injuries, and any complications.
- Speaking with various financial institutions to discuss the payout of economic benefits.
- Helping families to make objective decisions during an emotionally charged time.
- Taking a case to the courtroom when necessary.
No family should feel obligated to face this situation alone. Please, reach out to a car accident lawyer in Sacramento today. You and your family could be owed a significant financial sum.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. Respiratory problems are always a medical emergency and, particularly after a traumatic accident, requires urgent medical care. If your loved one has struggled with breathing following a major accident, call me today at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and of the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash
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