A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the lungs and in the chest wall. It causes difficulty breathing because the lungs cannot expand to their normal extent when you breathe. Pleural effusion is a symptom of several diseases. What is a pleural effusion? Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural … Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment & Help
Definition The hematothorax describes an accumulation of blood in the patient’s chest cavity. It represents a special form of pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the lung pleura and the pleura, the two so-called pleural leaves. Together they form the pleura. This effusion can have various causes and different compositions. A … Hematothorax
Symptoms The symptoms vary depending on the extent of fluid accumulation. If there is heavy bleeding into the pleural gap, breathing difficulties occur because the lungs are no longer able to expand properly due to the spatial restriction caused by the accumulation of blood. As a consequence of the impaired breathing, an oxygen deficiency occurs. … Symptoms | Hematothorax
Therapy In order to ensure that therapy is effective, the cause of the hematothorax should first be determined. If this involves injuries to vessels or organs, these should be treated first in order to prevent greater blood loss and to keep the accumulation of blood in the thorax as low as possible. The next measure … Therapy | Hematothorax
Complications of a hematothorax In the event of very severe bleeding due to vascular or organ injuries to the chest, uncontrollable blood loss can occur, which can lead to imminent danger to life. For this reason, a hematothorax should be treated as quickly as possible by specialist personnel or, as an initial measure, by an … Complications of a hematothorax | Hematothorax
Definition The X-ray examination of the thorax (medical term: thorax), usually referred to as X-ray thorax, is a frequently performed standard examination. It is used to assess various organs such as the lungs, heart or ribs. For this purpose, the thorax is x-rayed with a relatively small amount of X-rays and pictures are taken. During … X-ray of the thorax (chest X-ray)
Preparation for the examination Before the actual examination, the upper body must usually be undressed. Any kind of jewelry on the upper body should also be removed. Shortly before the chest X-ray is taken, the staff leaves the room where the X-ray is performed. The image itself then only takes a few milliseconds. Afterwards, the … Preparation for the examination | X-ray of the thorax (chest X-ray)
Is the radiation exposure dangerous? The radiation exposure from a chest X-ray is relatively low and comparable to the radiation exposure from a transatlantic flight. Therefore, the examination is usually not directly dangerous. Nevertheless, the possible benefits should always be weighed against the potential damage. Superfluous and too frequent X-rays should be avoided, as otherwise … Is the radiation exposure dangerous? | X-ray of the thorax (chest X-ray)
English Dropsy Water in the legs Abdominal fluid Swollen legs Pleural effusion Ascitis Water storage Edema Ascites Definition Edema Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial tissue (water retention). Interstitial tissue is intermediate tissue, usually connective tissue, which subdivides organs. The consequences of oedema are e.g. swelling of the legs. If it is … Edemas
Edema therapy The therapy of generalized edema in general is the administration of diuretics (e.g. furosemide (Lasix®)), commonly called “water tablets”. These diuretics cause the excess water in the tissue to be excreted via the kidneys, so that one often has to go to the toilet. However, this therapy is only symptomatic, i.e. it does … Edema therapy | Edemas
Prophylaxis To prevent ascites, the underlying disease must be prevented. In addition, the prescribed medication (e.g. diuretics) must be taken regularly, as these are responsible for the water loss. You should pay attention to the amount of water you drink (all liquids, even soup!!) per day, which should not exceed 1.5 liters. Edema by location … Prophylaxis | Edemas
Edema during pregnancy The development of edema during pregnancy affects about eighty percent of all pregnant women and is a very normal problem. It is also harmless in most cases. During pregnancy the body undergoes some changes, especially a strong hormonal change. Progesterone is said to be responsible for the increased storage of water in … Edema during pregnancy | Edemas
