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
What is a tension pneumothorax? A tension pneumothorax is a special form of pneumothorax and is a life-threatening injury to the lung. In contrast to a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), a tension pneumothorax also involves a kind of valve mechanism in which more and more air accumulates in the thorax, which cannot be breathed out. This … Tension pneumothorax
Diagnosis A tension pneumothorax is a very rapidly progressing event in which patients can deteriorate within a very short time. Therefore a clinical diagnosis is often possible or necessary. This means that the rescue service or a physician can already suspect a tension pneumothorax on the basis of external parameters such as pulse, blood pressure, … Diagnosis | Tension pneumothorax
Mediastinal Displacement Mediastinal shift describes a shift of the mediastinum towards the side of the healthy lung. The mediastinum is the center of the thorax, where the heart and its blood vessels are located. The increasing pressure in the pleural gap leads to a compression of the supplying vessels of the heart (veins), as a … Mediastinal Displacement | Tension pneumothorax
Can a tension pneumothorax be fatal? A tension pneumothorax is an absolutely life-threatening condition and must be treated as early as possible. If no timely treatment can be given, a tension pneumothorax usually ends fatally. The reason is the compression of the mediastinum and the subsequent cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, a tension pneumothorax usually progresses very … Can a tension pneumothorax be fatal? | Tension pneumothorax
Definition Pneumothorax A collapsed lung pneumothorax (pneu = air, thorax = chest) is defined as an intrusion of air into the pleural space, which leads to the collapse of the lung tissue. This can be caused by a broken rib, but also by the bursting of distended lung tissue (emphysema). ClassificationShapes The lung fur (pleura) … Pneumothorax
Causes The cause of a primary pneumothorax is usually a rupture of the pulmonary alveoli (especially in emphysema). Pneumonia (pneumonia) and lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma) can cause, among other things, a secondary pneumothorax. This clinical picture can also be caused by improper pleural puncture (e.g. in the context of cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics) or acupuncture treatments … Causes | Pneumothorax
Therapy A small pneumothorax can be observed at first and the spontaneous regression can be accelerated, possibly by nasal oxygenation. A symptomatic pneumothorax, i.e. a pneumothorax that causes health problems for the affected person, can be treated by suctioning the air through a tube. This method is called thoracic drainage with suction. If there is … Therapy | Pneumothorax
How long does it take to heal a pneumothorax? The duration of healing of a pneumothorax can vary depending on the cause and extent of the event. In the case of a so-called spontaneous pneumothorax, for example, pulmonary alveoli can burst without external causes and cause air to flow into the pleural gap. This can … How long does it take to heal a pneumothorax? | Pneumothorax
