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
