Which symptom suggests a possible pulmonary contusion in a blast injury?

Coughing up blood is a key symptom indicating a potential pulmonary contusion, particularly following a blast injury. This condition arises due to the impact of the blast wave, which can cause bruising and damage to lung tissue, leading to bleeding within the lungs. When this bleeding occurs, it often manifests as hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, which can vary in volume and color depending on the extent of the injury.

Wheezing, while a common respiratory symptom, is typically associated with conditions such as asthma or other obstructive airway issues rather than specifically identifying a pulmonary contusion. Chest pain may result from various thoracic injuries but is not definitive for pulmonary contusion. Dizziness can indicate hypoxia or other complications but lacks specificity in relation to this type of lung injury. Thus, the presence of hemoptysis is a clear and urgent sign that merits immediate medical evaluation for potential pulmonary contusion in the context of blast trauma.