Pneumothorax Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pneumothorax?
A
When air is in the pleural space.
Causing lung collapse + chest wall increase
2
Q
What Causes a pneumothorax?
A
Spontaneous
Trauma
latrogenic
infection, asthma or COPD
3
Q
What is tension pneumothorax?
A
Caused by trauma to chest that creates a one way valve can cause right heart failure.
4
Q
Signs of tension pneumothorax?
A
Shorthness of breath
chest pain
Dyspnoea
5
Q
Diagnosis of pneumothorax?
A
Chest X-ray or CT scan:
- Show collapsed lung
- Tracheal deviation( if tension pneumothorax)
6
Q
Treatment of pneumothorax?
A
If normal pneumothorax no treatment
If tension pneumothorax
- Chest tube inserted to allow air to leave
