Tension pneumothorax resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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===Common Causes=== | ===Common Causes=== | ||
* [[Blunt trauma]] | |||
* [[Central venous catheter]] | |||
* [[Mechanical ventilation]] | |||
* [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] | |||
* [[Emphysema]] | |||
* [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Revision as of 16:36, 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 or gas 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