Summary about Disease
Flail chest is a life-threatening chest wall injury that occurs when a segment of the rib cage breaks under blunt force trauma and becomes separated from the rest of the chest wall. This segment moves paradoxically with respiration, meaning it moves inward during inhalation and outward during exhalation, impairing lung function and causing significant pain.
Symptoms
Severe chest pain, especially with breathing
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Paradoxical chest wall movement (the flail segment moves in the opposite direction of the rest of the chest)
Rapid, shallow breathing
Bruising or crepitus (a crackling sensation) over the injured area
Cough
Causes
Flail chest is almost always caused by significant blunt trauma to the chest, such as:
Motor vehicle accidents
Falls from height
Crush injuries
Severe blows to the chest
Medicine Used
Pain Management: Opioids (e.g., morphine, fentanyl), Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Antibiotics: If pneumonia develops as a complication
Bronchodilators: If underlying lung disease contributes to respiratory distress.
Is Communicable
No, flail chest is not a communicable disease. It is a traumatic injury.
Precautions
Since flail chest is due to trauma, precautions focus on injury prevention:
Safe driving practices (avoiding distracted driving, following traffic laws)
Fall prevention measures (especially for elderly individuals)
Workplace safety measures in environments with heavy machinery or potential for falls
How long does an outbreak last?
Flail chest is not an outbreak-related condition. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury, underlying health conditions, and effectiveness of treatment. It can range from weeks to months.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: Observation of paradoxical chest wall movement.
Chest X-ray: To identify rib fractures and lung contusions.
CT Scan: Provides a more detailed view of the chest, identifying the extent of fractures and any associated injuries.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): To assess oxygenation and ventilation.
Timeline of Symptoms
Immediately following injury: Severe pain, difficulty breathing.
Within hours: Paradoxical chest movement becomes more apparent.
Days to weeks: Bruising and swelling develop, risk of complications like pneumonia increases.
Weeks to months: Gradual improvement with treatment and healing.
Important Considerations
Flail chest is a medical emergency. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Associated injuries are common (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax, lung contusion, head injury, abdominal injury).
Respiratory support (e.g., intubation and mechanical ventilation) is often required.
Pain control is essential for improving breathing and preventing complications.
Surgical fixation of rib fractures may be considered in some cases.