Symptoms of a Fractured Sternum After an Accident in Alabama
Chest pain after a car crash, fall, or other serious accident should never be ignored. One possible cause is a fractured sternum. This is a break in the long, flat breastbone at the center of the chest. The sternum helps form the rib cage and protects the heart and lungs, so an injury involving this bone may occur alongside other dangerous trauma.
Because the symptoms can resemble a chest bruise, strained muscle, rib injury, or heart problem, only a medical professional can make a diagnosis. Knowing the warning signs can help you seek care and protect a potential injury claim.
Pain in the Center of the Chest
The most common symptom of a fractured sternum is pain in the middle of the chest, usually at or near the point of impact. The pain may feel sharp, aching, or intensely tender. It often becomes worse when you take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, twist your upper body, lift something, or lie in certain positions.
Pain may begin immediately, but shock and adrenaline can initially mask it. Discomfort may become more noticeable in the following hours, so consider prompt medical attention even if you walked away from the scene.
Tenderness, Bruising, or Swelling Over the Breastbone
The area over the sternum may be very sensitive to touch. Bruising or swelling can develop after the chest strikes a steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. A shoulder belt can also place substantial force across the breastbone while restraining an occupant in a collision. Although seat belts may cause bruising during a severe crash, wearing one greatly reduces the risk of catastrophic injury.
A medical professional may check for tenderness, bruising, and abnormal movement, then order X-rays or a CT scan. Because chest X-rays can miss some fractures, additional testing may be appropriate when concern remains.
Pain When Breathing, Coughing, or Moving
Breathing moves the chest wall, so a fractured sternum can hurt with every deep breath. Coughing, sneezing, bending, reaching, or pushing may also increase pain and interfere with everyday activities.
Many isolated, nondisplaced fractures heal without surgery. Treatment commonly includes pain control, activity restrictions, breathing exercises, and follow-up care. Adequate pain management is important because consistently shallow breathing can contribute to lung complications. A displaced, unstable, or slow-healing fracture may require specialist care and even surgery.
Shortness of Breath
Pain may cause a person to take shallow breaths, creating the sensation that it is difficult to get enough air. However, shortness of breath after a traumatic accident may also indicate an injury to a lung, rib, or other structure inside the chest.
Seek emergency care for severe or worsening difficulty breathing. Other urgent warning signs include coughing up blood; pale, blue, gray, cold, or clammy skin; confusion; and a visibly unstable chest wall. These symptoms do not necessarily prove the sternum is fractured, but they could indicate a life-threatening complication.
Grinding, Clicking, or Popping in the Chest
Some people feel or hear grinding, clicking, or popping near the breastbone when they breathe or move. A displaced fracture can also cause a visible bump, indentation, or other deformity.
Do not repeatedly press or manipulate the area to determine whether the bone is broken. A clinician should evaluate any unusual chest movement or deformity. Until you receive medical guidance, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other activities that worsen the symptoms.
Dizziness, Fainting, or an Irregular Heartbeat
A sternal fracture often results from substantial blunt force that can also damage the heart, lungs, blood vessels, ribs, or spine. Dizziness, fainting, extreme weakness, or an irregular heartbeat requires immediate medical attention. Treat spreading pain as an emergency.
Doctors may use an electrocardiogram and blood tests to evaluate possible cardiac injury. Never assume post-accident chest discomfort is merely a bruise, particularly when breathing or cardiovascular symptoms appear.
Contact the Huntsville Personal Injury Lawyers at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Ongoing pain can limit a person’s ability to work, drive, sleep, or care for family members. Follow your treatment plan and avoid returning to strenuous activities until your provider clears you. Keep copies of medical records, imaging results, prescriptions, receipts, and work restrictions. Photograph visible bruising and swelling as they develop, and record how the symptoms affect your daily life.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
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Birmingham, AL 35213
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Huntsville, AL, 35801
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