How is the visceral pleura affected by pneumothorax?
How is the visceral pleura affected by pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax is a collection of air outside the lung but within the pleural cavity. It occurs when air accumulates between the parietal and visceral pleura inside the chest. The air accumulation can apply pressure on the lung and make it collapse.
How can you tell if you have pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax is generally diagnosed using a chest X-ray. In some cases, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be needed to provide more-detailed images. Ultrasound imaging also may be used to identify a pneumothorax.
When should you suspect a pneumothorax?
The condition spans all age groups, and EMS providers should, therefore, maintain a high index of suspicion for pneumothorax for any patient with a sudden onset of acute respiratory distress and ipsilateral chest pain. Pneumothorax is the entry of air into the potential space between the parietal and visceral pleura.
Can a pneumothorax just happen without a clear cause?
A pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures, or damage from underlying lung disease. Or it may occur for no obvious reason. Symptoms usually include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. On some occasions, a collapsed lung can be a life-threatening event.
Can a pneumothorax heal itself?
It’s possible for a small pneumothorax to heal on its own. In this case, you may only require oxygen and rest to make a full recovery. A doctor may also release additional air around the lung by sucking it out through a needle, which allows the lung to fully expand.
What emergency procedure is used for pneumothorax?
Emergency treatment of pneumothorax is bed rest, oxygen therapy, observation, simple aspiration, closed intercostal tube drainage and tube thoracostomy.
Is a pneumothorax life threatening?
If air continues to get into the pleural space as someone breathes, this can start to compress the other lung and heart. This is called a tension pneumothorax and can be life-threatening. Emergency treatment is needed to release the trapped air. If someone becomes breathless with sudden chest pain, dial 999.