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Pneumothorax - chest X-ray
Pneumothorax - chest X-ray
Respiratory system
Respiratory system
Chest tube insertion - series
Chest tube insertion - series
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Tension pneumothorax

Alternative Names:

Pneumothorax - tension



Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to remove the air from the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand. In an emergency, a small needle (such as a standard intravenous needle) may be placed into the chest cavity through the ribs to relieve the excessive pressure.

The definitive treatment is a chest tube, a large plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall between the ribs to remove the air completely. The chest tube is attached to a vacuum bottle that slowly and continuously removes air from the chest cavity. This allows the lung to re-expand. As the lung heals and stops leaking air, the vacuum is turned down and then the chest tube is removed. Hospitalization is required for proper care of the chest tube and because several days may be required before the affected lung re-expands.

Surgery may be indicated for recurrent episodes or if the lung does not re-expand after 5 days with a chest tube in place.



Expectations (prognosis):
Up to 50% of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax experience recurrence. There are no long-term complications following successful therapy.

Complications:
  • acuterespiratory failure
  • pneumomediastinum (air in the mediastinal space, which can interfere with heart and lung functioning)
  • shock (extremely low blood pressure)
  • death


Calling your health care provider:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of this disorder are present.

Review Date: 12/6/2001
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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