A pneumothorax is the abnormal presence of air in the pleural space, between the lungs and the ribs, either by rupture of the lung or by trauma to the thorax. It is called "tension" when there is so much air that it compresses and collapses the lung, the heart and the great vessels.
The origin may be a spontaneous rupture of the lung due to an underlying lung disease or as a result of chest trauma.
Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, tachycardia, low blood pressure, lack of oxygen in the blood and may even lead to loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
It is evidenced by physical examination but an X-ray or ultrasound is useful to better assess the extent and other tests.
Tension pneumothorax requires immediate puncture of the thorax for air drainage to decompress the heart and lungs. In case of relapse or collapsed lung, surgery will be required.
It is a vital emergency situation that requires activation of the local emergency system for immediate assistance.
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