Definition The term grasping thorax describes an altered form of the bony thorax (thorax), in which the chest appears too short and wide. Thus the thorax resembles a barrel, which explains the term barrel thorax. Anatomy of the grasping thorax In a barrel thorax, the thorax is shortened and wider compared to the normal thorax … Barrel thorax
Pulmonary emphysema In pulmonary emphysema, the lungs are over-inflated because the inhaled air is trapped at the end of the airways in the form of emphysema bubbles and cannot be exhaled again. In most cases, the cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects smokers in 90% of cases. Chronic inflammation leads to narrowing … Pulmonary emphysema | Barrel thorax
Therapy Also with regard to therapy, it should be remembered that a grasping thorax is not a disease in itself but merely a symptom. If emphysema is the cause, the changes in the lungs are irreversible, i.e. irreversible. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed down by giving up smoking and bronchodilator medication. … Therapy | Barrel thorax
