Tension penumothorax
Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency that occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space under pressure, compressing the lungs and decreasing venous return to the heart.
It typically develops when a lung or chest wall injury is such that it allows air into the pleural space but not out of it, creating a one-way valve.
The trapped air does not continue accumulating, and some of the air is also able to escape during expiration.
Clinical features:
Patients with pneumothoraces typically complain of dyspnea and chest pain.
In tension pneumothorax, patients are distressed with rapid labored respirations, cyanosis, profuse diaphoresis, and tachycardia.
Investigations:
A tension pneumothorax can be diagnosed using a chest X-ray, although a computerized tomography scan or ultrasound imaging may be needed to provide more detailed images.
Treatment:
tension pneumothorax involves immediate intervention to decompress the involved hemithorax, either through needle or open thoractosteomy.
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