Getting punched in the throat may affect many internal structures, including the windpipe, spinal cord, and blood vessels. Diagnosis and treatment may vary depending on symptoms and the extent of the injury.
A punch to the throat may cause bruising and tenderness. It may also damage vital structures within the neck, which
Doctors may refer to a punch in the throat as blunt trauma. Blunt trauma is a forceful impact to the body that does not pierce the skin or cause an open wound.
This article looks at what may happen to the neck area after a person receives a punch to the throat, when to seek medical help, and the treatment options.
The symptoms a person experiences after a punch to the throat may depend on the parts of their throat that receive damage. Blunt trauma to the throat
- larynx, which is the voice box
- windpipe
- esophagus
- spinal cord
- blood vessels
- nerves
Symptoms affecting these areas may not occur immediately after the blunt trauma.
Can getting hit in the throat kill you?
Penetrating injuries are
To examine throat and neck injuries, doctors may
- Zone 1: The bottom section of the neck, which includes the windpipe, jugular veins, which deliver blood from the brain to the heart, the spinal cord, cranial nerves, and certain arteries.
- Zone 2: The middle section of the neck, which includes the spinal cord, arteries, and the vagus nerve, which connects to the brain.
- Zone 3: The top section of the throat and mouth, which includes the carotid arteries and important nerves and veins.
Injuries to the zone 1 area may have the highest risk of death due to the concentration of blood vessels in that area and how close it is to the chest, which contains vital organs.
Symptoms of a throat injury can depend on the affected area but may include the following:
- tenderness
- discomfort
- difficulty or pain when swallowing
- hoarse voice
- difficulty speaking
- crepitus, which is a grating, popping, or grinding sound
- bruising
- difficulty breathing
- noisy breathing due to a restricted airway
- coughing
- coughing up blood
A physical examination
For a more complete examination of the throat and neck area, doctors may carry out the following tests:
- a neck and chest X-ray
- an angiogram, which uses X-ray with a special dye to show any damage to blood vessels
- a CT angiogram, which uses a CT scan with a specialized dye to show any damage to blood vessels
- a duplex ultrasonography, which uses ultrasound to show blood flow through blood vessels
- a laryngoscopy, in which a doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube with a light at one end into the throat to examine the larynx and surrounding structures
- an esophagram, which is an X-ray of the esophagus
The results of initial testing may indicate whether further testing is necessary. Further examination may involve a doctor using an endoscopy to look inside the throat. This procedure involves a small tube that may go through the person’s mouth.
Treating a throat injury may depend on the location and extent of the damage. However, keeping the airways clear is
The
- airways
- breathing
- circulation
Following this, according to a
According to this article, blunt trauma to the neck is unlikely to cause significant bleeding. However, if there is damage to blood vessels, doctors may use anti-bleeding medication, such as tranexamic acid, to control any bleeding.
It is best to consult a doctor after trauma or significant injury to the throat. Even if initial symptoms are not severe, they
People need to seek emergency medical attention if they have any of the following symptoms after a throat injury:
- difficulty breathing
- changes to voice or breathing
- sore throat
- difficulty or pain when swallowing
- wheezing
- spinal pain
- weakness or numbness
- difficulty walking or using limbs as usual
- significant swelling or pain
Getting punched in the throat may damage internal structures, such as the voice box, the airway, or blood vessels. It is best to speak with a doctor after a punch to the throat, as symptoms may not appear immediately, and initial symptoms may progress.
People need to seek medical attention immediately if they have any severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or significant pain and swelling.
Doctors may use imaging scans and endoscopy to examine the throat area for any internal damage. Treatments may depend on the affected areas and the extent of the injury.