A physical examination typically leads to diagnosis for pneumothorax. A doctor will detect decreased or no breath sounds coming from one side of the body, indicating a collapsed lung. Also, tapping the chest may make a hollow sound. Imaging tests, such as x-rays, will show the pocket of air and the trachea pushed to one side. Blood gas tests will reveal decreased oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
Lung Disease and Respiratory System
Diseases, pollutants and genetics can affect your respiratory health. The simple cold - which is caused by more than 200 different viruses - inflames the upper respiratory tract, resulting in a cough, runny nose and sneezing. A more severe cough combined with mucus is a sign of bronchitis, where the membranes lining the bronchial tubes become inflamed. The inflammatory lung disease asthma affects more than 20 million people, making airways constrict when exposed to irritants like dust, pet dander and cigarette smoke. Pneumonia, another inflammation of the lungs, can occur because of a bacterial or viral infection. People suffering from cystic fibrosis, an inherited lung disease, frequently battle bacterial infections and airways clogged with thick and sticky mucus.
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1 AnswerA
Regional Medical Center answeredDecreased or no breath sounds coming from the affected side of the chest is a prime tool used to diagnose hemothorax. Imaging tests, like x-ray or CT scan, will be used to confirm there is fluid (in this case, blood) in the pleural cavity. Thoracentesis (a test used to extract fluid from the pleural cavity) also will be used to test exactly what fluid is in the cavity. Analysis of this fluid likely will help the doctor diagnose the underlying cause for the hemothorax, if it is not already known.
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Regional Medical Center answered
In most cases, pleural cavity disorders cannot be prevented. They are caused by a variety of things including injury, infection, and illness. The only exceptions are when you are treated for the underlying medical cause for one of these disorders. For example, if the underlying cause is pneumonia, it can be prevented by vaccination. If the underlying cause is rheumatic fever, early and effective treatment for strep throat could have prevented the pleural cavity disorder.
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Regional Medical Center answered
No, there really are no alternative treatments for pleural cavity disorders. For these disorders, the goal of treatment is to provide relief of the symptoms, remove the air or fluid in the pleural cavity, and treat the underlying cause. This typically involves a medical procedure, medicine, or even surgery. These disorders usually impair breathing, so alternative treatments likely would not respond quickly enough.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Yes, talk to your doctor about your pleural cavity disorder symptoms. However, if you call to make an appointment, you may be encouraged to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting to see a doctor in an office setting. Difficulty breathing and pain are the leading symptoms for most of the pleural cavity disorders. Respiratory problems can be dangerous and life threatening, so emergency care may be recommended.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Because most cases of bronchitis are caused by the same kind of contagious virus that causes the common cold, one of the best ways to prevent bronchitis is to wash your hands frequently. You should also consider getting an annual flu shot and should try to avoid contact with others who have respiratory infections or the flu. If you smoke, another important factor is to quit smoking. This will greatly reduce the risk of bronchitis. When you are exposed to irritants in the air, such as dust or fumes, wearing a mask or other protective gear to protect your lungs can also help prevent bronchitis. Your doctor might also recommend getting a pneumonia vaccine, especially if you are over 60 years old or have other issues that increase your risk of bronchitis and pneumonia.
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To help prevent acute bronchitis:- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid exposure to second hand smoke and do not expose children to second hand smoke.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Keep you and your child up to date with recommended immunizations.
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Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
Hemothorax, a pleural cavity disorder, occurs when blood gets into the pleural cavity. Symptoms of hemothorax include shortness of breath, pain, anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, and possible respiratory failure. Hemothorax often results from a chest trauma of some kind, such as a blunt force trauma (like a car wreck) or wound from a weapon. Cancer, surgery, blood clotting disorders, and tuberculosis are other possible causes.
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See All 2 AnswersHigh-altitude pulmonary edema is a form of severe altitude illness. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the lungs fill with edema or fluid. Those with high-altitude pulmonary edema will commonly complain of extreme fatigue and shortness of breath (even at rest). Their breathing usually becomes fast and shallow. A cough will develop and can have frothy or pink sputum. Their breath can become gurgling or rattling and they will experience chest tightness. If their oxygen levels are low, blue or gray lips or fingernails will be noticeable.
(This answer provided for NATA by the Marist College Athletic Training Education Program.) -
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Regional Medical Center answered
If you are experiencing a cough that is tinged with blood along with a sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, you are probably experiencing a complication of pulmonary embolism called lung infarction. Lung infarction occurs when an especially large obstruction is preventing your lungs from getting enough oxygen. When this happens for a prolonged time, lung tissue can die and cause permanent damage to the lungs. Seek medical help immediately (Call your Doctor or 911) if you cough up blood for any reason, as this can be a sign of a serious problem in your lungs.