Pneumothorax pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

	Pneumothorax Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pneumothorax from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography/Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pneumothorax pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pneumothorax pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo and Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pneumothorax pathophysiology
CDC on Pneumothorax pathophysiology
Pneumothorax pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Pneumothorax pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pneumothorax
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pneumothorax pathophysiology

Revision as of 20:44, 31 January 2018

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 ==Pathophysiology==
-The [[lungs]] are located inside the chest cavity, which is a hollow space.  Air is drawn into the lungs by the [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm]] (a powerful [[abdomen|abdominal]] [[muscle]]). The [[pleural cavity]] is the region between the chest wall and the lungs. If air enters the pleural cavity, either from the outside (open pneumothorax) or from the lung (closed pneumothorax), the lung collapses and it becomes mechanically impossible for the injured person to breathe, even with an open [[airway]].  If a piece of tissue forms a one-way valve that allows air to enter the pleural cavity from the lung but not to escape, overpressure can build up with every breath; this is known as [[tension pneumothorax]]. It may lead to severe shortness of breath as well as circulatory collapse, both life-threatening conditions. This condition requires urgent intervention.
 ==References==