Blast lung injury (BLI) is caused by the blast wave from high explosive detonations damaging the lungs. BLI can cause respiratory difficulty and hypoxia without obvious chest injuries. It is diagnosed clinically and may show a characteristic "butterfly" pattern on chest x-rays. Management of BLI involves supplemental oxygen, treatment of hemopneumothorax if present, and careful fluid management to avoid volume overload similar to pulmonary contusion. Outcomes of BLI can vary but many patients have normal exams and lung function after one year.
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