How do you recognize a tension pneumothorax? | Symptoms of pneumothorax

How do you recognize a tension pneumothorax?

If the symptoms of a pneumothorax are accompanied by a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate, this indicates a tension pneumothorax. The level at which the drop in blood pressure becomes noticeable varies from individual to individual – the symptoms are characterized by circulatory problems, fainting, blackening of vision or weakness. The heart rate is similarly different, usually rising to about 100 beats per minute (depending on the resting pulse) and manifesting itself as palpitations or palpitations.

In “classic” (open) pneumothorax, the air that has entered the body can escape via the entry port. In a tension pneumothorax, a traumatic event causes damage to the connective tissue, muscles and ribs of the chest, resulting in the formation of shifting connective tissue sections that form a valve. This allows air to continue to flow in, but cannot escape.

The accumulated air displaces opposite organs within the thorax, such as the windpipe. The second lung, heart, large body vein and other anatomical structures are displaced to the healthy side. If the trachea and lungs are displaced or compressed, patients also find it difficult to breathe in. The circulation can fail completely because the compression of the large body vein prevents the blood from flowing back to the heart. The altered anatomical conditions can make successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation very difficult or prevent it.

How do you recognize a spontaneous pneumothorax?

A spontaneous pneumothorax is recognized by the affected person by the same symptoms as a pneumothorax, except that they suddenly appear without any external influence. This is because a pneumothorax basically behaves in the same way, differences exist (only) in their cause. It can be spontaneous or traumatic.

In a spontaneous pneumothorax, air bubbles are usually located under the lung skin and suddenly tear.This allows free air to pass between the pleura and the lungs. Frequently triggered by coughing or by an increase in pressure in the chest, e.g. during abdominal compression (keyword: toilet use). Those at risk are smokers or people with pre-existing lung diseases, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma or tuberculosis.

Those affected can only inhale one lung, i.e. the intact lung on the opposite side, and fill it adequately with air. The blood that flows through the lungs is suddenly offered only half as much oxygen as usual and the body reacts with faster breathing to compensate for this deficit. This is experienced by those affected as breathing difficulties.

However, faster breathing can only compensate for an increased oxygen enrichment to a limited extent, and more used air is also breathed out at the same time. The carbon dioxide content of the blood also decreases. The balance is lost and further symptoms appear. Depending on the severity of the oxygen deficit, breathing difficulties initially only occur during exertion, later also at rest.