Tension pneumothorax resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency caused by accumulation of air | Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency caused by accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Air enter the intrapleural space through the lung parenchyma, or through a traumatic communication from the chest wall. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Revision as of 16:38, 10 March 2014
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Definition
Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency caused by accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Air enter the intrapleural space through the lung parenchyma, or through a traumatic communication from the chest wall.
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes.
Common Causes
- Blunt trauma
- Central venous catheter
- Mechanical ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Emphysema
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease