Pneumothorax is the presence of air within the pleural space
Pneumothorax
Air in pleural space leading to partial or complete lung collapse
Causes of pneumothorax
Spontaneous/primary: rupture of subpleural apical blebs (young thin men)
Secondary: underlying lung disease (ex: COPD) or infection
Blunt or penetrating trauma
Presentation of pneumothorax
1. Pleuritic pain
2. Tracheal deviation - away
3. Hyperresonance
4. Onset - sudden
5. Reduced breath sounds and breathing (dyspnea)
6. Absent fremitus; Asymmetric chest wall
7. X-ray shows collapse & presence of visceral pleural line
Tension pneumothorax
Medical emergency where pleural tear acts as a one-way valve causing air trapping in the pleural space, leading to unilateral increase in intrapleural pressure, respiratory distress, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest
Treatment of tension pneumothorax
1. Immediate needle decompression (thoracentesis) in the 2nd intercostal space
2. Intercostal tube drainage (chest tube) in the 5th intercostal space
