The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Blast Injury

Blast trauma is a complex picture combining pressure, penetrating fragments, burns, and blunt injury.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Blast Injury?

Blast injury occurs after exposure to a blast wave from gas cylinder or natural gas explosions, industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or wartime settings.

Injuries are described in four phases: primary (pressure wave), secondary (flying fragments), tertiary (being thrown), and quaternary (burns, inhalation, toxic).

The most affected organs are the lungs, ears, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Eye injuries and tympanic membrane perforations are common.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath and hemoptysis (lung damage)
Tinnitus and hearing loss
Abdominal pain and rectal bleeding
Open wounds and shrapnel marks
Loss of consciousness and headache
Eye bleeding and visual disturbance

Risk Factors

Industrial and mining operations
Terrorism and wartime settings
Natural gas and gas cylinder explosions
Weapons depot accidents
Working in chemical factories
Use of fireworks and flammable materials

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Every patient after a blast must be brought to the emergency department; call 112
  • Internal organ damage may occur even in seemingly asymptomatic patients
  • Shortness of breath, hemoptysis, and hearing loss should be assessed as priorities
  • Use mass-casualty protocols when there are multiple casualties from the same event

Treatment Methods

01
Scene safety and multi-casualty triage
02
ABC stabilization and spinal immobilization
03
Careful ventilation aimed at lung injury
04
Tympanic membrane, eye, and abdominal imaging
05
Surgical debridement and wound care
06
Intensive care monitoring and follow-up of delayed complications

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.