Respiratory disorders: Chest Wall Disease

Question 1

What functions are associated with the chest wall?

Answer 1

To protect the internal structures of the thorax, and aid in normal respiration

Question 2

THe hallmark for chest wall disease is a paradoxical breathing pattern. Explain.

Answer 2

Normally, following diaphragm stimulation, it moves caudally as the internal intercostal muscles move cranially and outwardly.

In diseased states, there is decreased chest wall movement and inward movement of the abdominal wall during inspiration.

Question 3

Disorders of the chest wall include -?

Answer 3

Neoplasia (OSA, CSA, lipoma, FSA), trauma (fractures, flail chest), or neurological diseases (cervical spinal diseases, tick paralysis, Coonhound paralysis, botulism, myasthenia gravis, coral snake envemonization)

Question 4

Treatment for patients with flail chest include -?

Answer 4

Supportive with chest bandages to prevent bulging and to minimize pain, analgesia, surgical stabilization

Question 5

Treatments for patients with chest wall disease include -?

Answer 5

Surgical stabilization/ mass removal, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, antivenom administration, anticholinesterase agents (Pyridostigmine), glucocorticoids