What is a chest injury?
A person with a chest injury has damage to a structure in the chest, caused by an injury. Minor injuries may cause a bruise to the chest, while severe injuries may also damage the lungs or heart.

What are the symptoms of a chest injury?
Symptoms of a chest injury include chest pain, bruising, chest wall tenderness, and swelling.

How does the doctor treat a chest injury?
Treatment of a chest injury depends on the severity of the injury. General measures include rest, cold compresses, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. Narcotic pain medications may be prescribed for rib fracture. Deep breathing exercises may be recommended to lessen the risk for atelectasis and pneumonia.