PNEUMATOTHORAX Meaning and
Definition
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Pneumatothorax is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The pleural cavity normally contains a small amount of fluid that helps lubricate the lungs during breathing, but the presence of air in this cavity can interfere with normal lung function.
Pneumatothorax can occur as a result of various factors, including lung diseases, traumatic injuries to the chest, or medical procedures such as lung biopsies or mechanical ventilation. In some cases, it can also occur spontaneously, without any obvious cause.
Symptoms of pneumatothorax may include sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and decreased lung function. The affected individual may also present with a decreased breath sound on the affected side of the chest.
Treatment for pneumatothorax typically involves the removal of air or gas from the pleural cavity to restore normal lung function. This may be achieved through a procedure called needle aspiration, where a needle is inserted into the chest to remove the trapped air. In more severe cases, a chest tube may be inserted to continuously drain the air or gas from the pleural cavity.
Untreated pneumatothorax can lead to more serious complications, such as lung collapse or infection. Therefore, it is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of pneumatothorax to seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The escape of air or gaseous effusion into the pleaura through a laceration of the lung.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PNEUMATOTHORAX
- oneumatothorax
- lneumatothorax
- -neumatothorax
- 0neumatothorax
- pbeumatothorax
- pmeumatothorax
- pjeumatothorax
- pheumatothorax
- pnwumatothorax
- pnsumatothorax
- pndumatothorax
- pnrumatothorax
- pn4umatothorax
- pn3umatothorax
- pneymatothorax
- pnehmatothorax
- pnejmatothorax
- pneimatothorax
- pne8matothorax
- pne7matothorax
Etymology of PNEUMATOTHORAX
The word "pneumatothorax" is derived from two Greek words: "pneuma" meaning "breath" or "air", and "thorax" meaning "chest". The term "pneumatothorax" is used in medical terminology to describe a condition in which air or gas enters the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.
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