Tension pneumothorax

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Pneumothorax - chest X-ray Respiratory system Chest tube insertion - series

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Tension pneumothorax

Pneumothorax - tension

• Sudden chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Easy fatigue
• Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased mental alertness
• Consciousness, decreased
• Breathing, rapid
• Distended neck veins (the veins in the neck appear to bulge)

Physical examination may show decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. Structures in the mediastinum (center of the chest) may appear shifted. Subcutaneous emphysema (air trapped in the tissue of the chest wall) may be present, causing a spongy feeling when the chest is felt with the hands (palpation).

In general, if a health care provider suspects tension pneumothorax, treatment should start before diagnostic tests are done. Nonetheless, some tests may help confirm the diagnosis if there is doubt or to assess the severity of the situation:

Tests used in the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax include:

• A chest x-ray
• Arterial blood gases
• Electrocardiogram

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine.3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000.

Marx J. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice.5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page