injuries and poisoning
Pulmonary Contusion
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Contusion
Chest x-ray Doctors suspect a pulmonary contusion when people become short of breath after a chest injury, especially if shortness of breath develops gradually. A X-Rays of the Chest is taken. However, because a contusion may develop gradually, doctors may take more than one x-ray over a period of many hours or do a CT to detect a contusion. Doctors also measure the amount of oxygen in the blood by attaching a device to a finger or toe (pulse oximeter). This information can help doctors determine how well the lungs are functioning. 