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What  can  cause  injuries

 

Although a child’s body is more flexible that an adult’s it is also weaker, so the risk of suffering injuries to the chest and abdominal region is just as high.  The risk of injury is increase by the fact that children are often more active than adults and less aware of dangers.

 

·        Injuries to the chest and abdomen commonly occur as the result of a fall, usually from some height. Injuries are even more likely if the torso makes contact with a hard or penetrating object on landing.

 

·        Injuries involving vehicles are common. They may occur when children are involved in road traffic or cycling accidents or when they are playing near vehicles, such as cars and tractors that are being used off the road

 

·        Injuries sometimes occur as the result of physical abuse. Medical staffs are always alert to this possibility and will therefore inquire closely about the circumstances of any serious injury or multiple injuries. 

 

Types of injury

 

The type of injury and the damage that results will depend on the nature of the child's accident.

 

Fractured ribs: the ribs protect the heart and lungs and are designed to absorb impact. However, fractured ribs may result from a severe blow to the chest. A fractured rib will cause pain when inhaling deeply. Rest is the only form of treatment. A fractured rib will normally repair itself within three to six weeks

 

Crush injuries: when the chest or abdomens are crushed, most of the damage is internal, but often the only obvious external sign of injury is bruising. A crushed chest usually involves one or more broken ribs, which may puncture the lungs. If several ribs are broken the result may be a condition known as flail chest. A section of the chest wall becomes detached, leading to the collapse of one or both lungs and possible damage to the heart. This condition requires urgent medical attention

 

Penetrating injuries: the damage that occurs when an object penetrates the skin depends on the depth of penetration. If it has only penetrated the surface layers of skin and muscle, it is unlikely to cause severe damage. A deeper wound may damage internal organs. 

 

Symptoms

 

A chest injury can cause internal damage so it is important to act promptly. Place a dressing on the wound (as described overleaf), turn the child on his injured-side an Even if there is no visible external evidence, there may be signs of internal damage.

 

• Internal injuries to the chest may cause breathing problems, particularly if a lung has been penetrated. If blood bubbles from a wound, this is a sign that air has entered the chest and that the child has a collapsed lung. 
• Coughing up bright red frothy blood is a sign of a lung injury. 
• Abdominal injuries may cause the abdomen to become tight and the child may complain of pain or tenderness. Muscular spasms may occur.  
• The child is likely to show signs of shock. The skin becomes pale, cold and moist. Breathing becomes shallow, the pulse is weak and rapid, and the child may complain of dizziness, fainting, blurred vision and nausea. He may also become thirsty and restless. 

Hospital treatment

 

In hospital, Accident and Emergency staff will carry out any. As necessary resuscitation soon as the child's condition is stable, they will assess the extent of any internal damage and begin appropriate treatment. 

 

• Internal damage is assessed using imaging techniques, such as X-ray, CT scanning and MRI.
• If a pneumothorax is diagnosed, where air is trapped between the two layers of membrane covering the lungs, a tube will be inserted into the chest cavity to allow air to escape. 
• If internal bleeding in the abdomen is suspected, medical staff may undertake a procedure known as a peritoneal lavage. A small tube is inserted into the abdomen to extract fluid. If the fluid contains blood, surgery may be necessary so that the damage can be investigated and repaired. 
• Recovery from chest and abdominal wounds depends on the extent of the injury. After a minor injury the patient may be allowed home with instructions to rest. More serious injuries may require a stay in hospital. 

Firsts aid for chest injuries

 

In the event of chest injury, take immediate action and telephone for an ambulance. Check the child’s pulse and breathing regularly until help arrive.

 

• If there is penetrating wounds put on disposable gloves and cover the area with your hands. 
• Place the child in a comfortable position on the ground so that his head and chest are raised. 
• Cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Use adhesive tape to seal the dressing on three sides only, leaving one side free for air to escape. 
• Place the arm on the injured side diagonally across the child's chest. Hold the arm in place with a triangular sling. This will give added support to any fractured ribs. 
• Turn the child gently, ensuring that the head and torso remain raised, so that he is leaning towards his injured side. Make sure that he is comfortable and supported with cushions. 

First aid for abdominal injuries

 

Take immediate action and call an ambulance. Check the child pulse and breathing regularly. Do not removed any object that is protruding from a wound; removal can cause further damage and more bleeding:

 

• Expose the wound gently by removing clothing from around it. 
• If there are no organs protruding from the wound, place the child on her back, with a cushion under the knees to reduce the strain on the stomach muscles. This helps to keep the wound closed. 
• If there are organs protruding from the wound, raise the knees and place a blanket or coats under the child's shoulders. This position helps the natural action of the stomach muscles. 
• Cover the wound with a dressing and tape it into place. Do not attempt to push any protruding organs back through the wound. 
• If the child is about to cough or vomit, and there are no organs protruding, reduce the strain on the wound by pressing down on it with the flat of the hand. 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.