Pneumothorax during sports | Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax during sports

Especially young and athletic people can develop a pneumothorax during sports.On the one hand traumatic, i.e. through external sharp or blunt force trauma to the chest. On the other hand, in addition to the traumatic form, there is also the more frequent spontaneous pneumothorax. This occurs more frequently in men between the ages of 15 and 35, who have a slim and tall physique.

These men are often smokers and have a genetic predisposition to develop a pneumothorax. Increased exertion in this form leads to deeper, more strenuous breathing, which can cause the alveoli to burst. Now air enters the pleural gap and a pneumothorax is formed.

Pneumothorax after surgery

The formation of a pneumothorax can also occur after surgery. If operations are performed on the thorax, which open the pleural gap, this is inevitable. For this reason, thoracic drains are always placed during this type of operation, which contribute to the healing process after the operation.

In addition, certain other medical procedures can lead to a pneumothorax. The placement of central venous catheters (CVC) involves the puncture of large veins near the neck or shoulder. Since the tips of the lungs are also located in the vicinity, it is possible to hit the lung unintentionally and thus produce a pneumothorax.

Symptoms of pneumothorax in the baby

Basically, it can be said that the probability of a pneumothorax in a healthy newborn is very low. In premature babies it may become more probable as the completion of lung maturation takes place in the last weeks of pregnancy. If this is not sufficiently completed, a respiratory distress syndrome may occur.

The symptoms that occur are shortness of breath, i.e. a deepened insufficient breathing that progresses at rest. Furthermore, a blue discoloration of the mucous membranes may occur, and progressively also of the skin. Further symptoms can be a drop in blood pressure or lack of reaction in the form of lethargy.