Penetrating Chest Trauma

Penetrating chest trauma occurs when an object, like a knife or bullet, punctures the chest wall, damaging organs such as the lungs, heart, or blood vessels. This can lead to severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, and decreased oxygen delivery to the body. The injury may cause the lung to collapse or blood to leak into the chest cavity, resulting in a life-threatening situation. Prompt medical care is essential to control bleeding, prevent infection, and repair internal damage through surgery or other treatments. Immediate attention can significantly improve outcomes and survival chances.