Chest trauma is any blow, stab, or crush to the chest wall, lungs, or heart. Signs range from “just a bruise” to life-threatening, so knowing the pattern keeps you out of trouble. Sharp pain on breathing is the hallmark. It stabs when you inhale, cough, sneeze, laugh, roll over, or push on the ribs. Tenderness is pinpoint. You can find the exact sore spot with one finger and feel a crunch if the bone is broken. Swelling and bruising show up fast. The skin puffs and turns purple within hours. Shortness of breath creeps in. You take shallow breaths to... Learn more