Essay On Pneumothorax

PNEUMOTHORAX
Description
Pneumothorax is presence of air in the pleural cavity. It prevents your lung from expanding properly when you try to breathe in, causing shortness of breath and chest pain. It is also called as Collapse lung. A primary pneumothorax occurs without an apparent cause and in the absence of significant lung disease, while a secondary pneumothorax occurs in the presence of existing lung pathology. Tension pneumothorax develops occasionally and is a medical emergency. Unless reversed by effective treatment, these sequelae can progress and cause death. Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare condition where women experience pneumothorax at the onset of menstrual period.

Causes
It is mainly caused by an injury to the lung. Injuries can include
• Broken rib
• Punctured wound
• Gunshot or knife wound to the chest
• Rib fracture
• Certain medical procedures.
It may also occur suddenly without an injury

Symptoms
The major symptoms of a spontaneous pneumothorax are:
 The sudden onset of chest pain and/or shortness of breath
 Rapid heart rate

Patients with a small PSP without breathlessness may be discharged with early outpatient review along with clear written advice to return in the event of worsening breathlessness. Tension pneumothorax and in larger pneumothorax, or when there are marked symptoms, urgent needle decompression followed by a chest tube connected to a one-way valve system is required. Needle decompression be required before transport to the hospital, and can be performed by an emergency medical technician or other trained professional. The needle or cannula is left in place until a chest tube can be inserted. Occasionally, surgical intervention involving pleurodesis or pleurectomy is required when tube drainage is unsuccessful, or as a preventive measure, in case of repeated