An injury is any damage to the skin and tissues that occurs due to external factors. They can occur during physical activities, play, handling sharp objects, in traffic accidents, accidents in the house, or violent events. There is no person who has not had some form of injury at least once in their life. Injuries can range from minor scratches and shallow cuts to more serious ones such as larger and deeper wounds, fractures and burns, contusions or tear off (separation) of tissues, which in some cases can be life-threatening. The treatment of injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury and may include medication, immobilization, casting, stitching, surgery, resuscitation, physical therapy.
Symptoms of injury
Symptoms of an injury can vary depending on the specific cause, but general symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Tissue swelling (with and without changes in skin color)
- Redness
- Limited mobility (redused joint movement)
- Bruises
Other symptoms may be:
- Scratches
- Bleeding or uncontrolled and heavy bleeding
- Fractures, open fractures, dislocations, sprains
- Burns, which can turn red on the skin, cause blisters or have a white appearance of the skin
- Joint swelling (with and without changes in skin color)
- Lacerations: Shallow cuts stop bleeding quickly, unlike deep ones that bleed rapidly and extensively.
- Contusions and tissue avulsion
Symptoms of injuries that can be life-threatening
- Dilated pupils or unresponsiveness to light
- Bleeding or abdominal injury during pregnancy
- Bluish color of lips or nails
- Change in the level of consciousness or alertness, such as fainting or not responding to external stimuli
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations (skipping, fluttering heartbeat)
- Paralysis or inability to move a body part
- Breathing difficulties or respiratory distress: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cessation of breathing, choking
- Severe pain
- Bone deformity, burns, injuries, as well as serious head, neck or back injuries
- Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
- Vomiting blood, significant rectal bleeding, or bloody stool
- Weak pulse or absence of pulse
Causes of injuries
There are many causes that lead to bodily damage and the occurrence of injuries. Injuries can be accidental or intentional, as in the case of violence, and they can be caused by blunt or sharp objects, high-speed impacts, falls, animal or insect bites, fire or extreme heat, and exposure to chemicals and toxins.
- Violence
- Accidents on a bicycle or caused by a motor vehicle
- Bites or stings
- Burns (thermal, chemical, or electrical)
- Drowning
- Falls, bumps
- Overuse and repetitive motions
- Poisoning and exposure to chemicals
- Sports or athletic injuries
Risk factors for injury
Numerous factors increase the risk of injury. Not everyone with risk factors will experience an injury. The risk factors include:
- Age (injuries are a common cause of death in those aged 44 and younger, and older people are at greater risk of injury from falls)
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Use of alcohol and illicit drugs
- Bone or joint disorders
- Certain medications that depress the central nervous system or reduce blood pressure
- Chronic illnesses
- Decreased sensation (lack of pain perception)
- Distraction or inattention
- Dementia and other conditions affecting mental function
- Non-use of car seat belts
- Movement disorders
- Hearing problems
- Poor judgment
- Poor vision
- Reduced mobility
- Refusal to wear recommended protective equipment
Prevention of injury risk
To reduce the risk of injury, we can give you the following recommendations:
- Engage in regular physical activity to improve overall health
- Setting up handrails and grab bars
- Respect speed limits and use pedestrian crossings
- Optimize lighting in and around your home
- Use child car seats and booster seats.
- Prevent tripping hazards and other dangers in your home or office.
- Use of non-slip mats or strips in the bathtub and shower
- Wearing a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or motorcycle
- Wearing a seat belt while driving
- Wearing appropriate protective equipment during sports or other potentially risky activities
- Wearing protective equipment, such as glasses, work wear and gloves, when working with hazardous substances or in hazardous areas
Treatment of injuries
The treatment depends on the type and severity. Some injuries can be treated with basic first aid techniques such as wound cleaning, application of antibiotic ointments or liquids, wound dressings, rest, ice application, compression, and elevation. More serious injuries may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), suturing, or surgery.
Common injuries treatments:
- Antibiotic ointments or liquids to reduce the risk of infection
- Painkillers
- Physical therapy to improve strength and function
- Resuscitation to maintain circulation, airway, ventilation, and blood volume
- RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), especially in sprains, strains, pulled muscles and other soft tissue injuries
- Immobilization and bone reposition and surgical treatment of fractures
- Stabilization of the neck and back
- Sutures to close superficial layers of the skin
- Surgery to remove foreign bodies, stop bleeding and repair or remove damaged tissues and organs
- Transfusion to replace lost blood
- Use of local cortisone, antihistamines or epinephrine for injuries that may be associated with allergies, such as bug bites and bee stings
- Cleaning wounds and putting bandages to protect against infection
Possible complications of injury
Possible complications of untreated or inadequately treated injuries can be serious, and even life-threatening in some cases. The complications may include:
- Abscess (pus formation)
- Side effects of treatment
- Amputation
- Reduced range of motion
- Deformity
- Infection
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of cognitive function
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of vision
- Paralysis or inability to move part of the body
- Physical disability
- Weakness
Why is a quick reaction important when an injury occurs?
Injuries can happen to anyone, on any part of the body. Depending on the cause, they can range from minor to complex and life-threatening. Every major and serious injury significantly impacts the patient’s health, sometimes with lasting consequences. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to receive prompt and quality medical care when injured, including immediate assessment, thorough diagnosis, and treatment.
