Week 9 Respiratory Flashcards
define pneumothorax
gas/air in the pleural space that usually arises from a bronco-pleural fistula (hole in the broncho-pleural space) or chest wall trauma
what are the classifications of pneumothorax
Primary spontaneous (PSP)
Secondary spontaneous (SSP)
iatrogenic
penetrating trauma
what is primary spontaneous pneumothorax
pneumothorax with no underlying lung disease (more common ages 15-34)
what is secondary spontaneous pneumothorax
occurs with underlying lung disease (COPD/emphysema, infection, malignancy, CF, Cystic lung disease)
-most common in individuals >55 y/o
what is iatrogenic pneumothorax
complication from a medical procedure resulting in pneumothorax
what is penetrating trauma pneumothorax
trauma to the chest wall (injury) resulting in air entry at lungs
list the symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax
-chest pain
-dyspnoea
-tachycardia
-hypoxia
-coughing
-fatigue & cyanosis
why does pneumothorax present with chest pain
air in the pleural space irritates the pleurae, causing sharp pain
why does pneumothorax present with dyspnoea
the collapsed lung reduces lung capacity, limiting oxygen in take
why does pneumothorax present with tachycardia
the heart pumps faster to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery
why does pneumothorax present with hypoxia
collapsed lung impairs gas exchange, lowering oxygen levels in the blood
why does pneumothorax present with cough
body reflexively trying to clear the airways
why does pneumothorax present with cyanosis and fatigue
low oxygen levels in the blood
what is tension pneumothorax
rare situation where a one-way valve effect results in progressive increase in intrapleural pressure, resulting in mediastinal shift, collapse of the great vessels and ventricle, ultimately leading to cardiopulmonary compromise
list the symptoms of tension pneumothorax
dyspnoea
chest pain
hypoxemia
tachycardia
tachypnoea
progressive hypotension
list the risk factors for pneumothorax
smoking
lung disease
sub pleural blebs
male
explain smoking as a risk factor for pneumothorax
airway inflammation damages lung tissue and weakens the alveoli, making them more susceptible to rupture and leakage into the pleural space
explain lung disease as a risk factor for pneumothorax
impairs lung function and makes it easier for air to escape into the pleural cavity
explain sub pleural blebs as a risk factor for pneumothorax
small, blister like formations on the lung’s surface, can rupture and release air into the pleural space, leading to pneumothorax
explain make sex as a risk factor for pneumothorax
males are 3-6x more likely to present with pneumothorax
what would the ‘inspection’ show for pneumothorax
-chest wall trauma due to injury
-increased work of breathing
-use of accessory muscles
what would be present on palpation in a pneumothorax patient
tracheal deviation, trachea may deviate to opposite side (common to also be at midline)
what would be present on chest expansion in pneumothorax patient
reduced ipsilateral chest expansion (same side as the pneumothorax)
what would be present on percussion in a pneumothorax patient
hyper resonant (extra air in the pleural space)