A tension pneumothorax is a complete collapse of the lung. It occurs when air enters, but does not leave, the space around the lung (pleural space). It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

See also pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax - tension

Any condition that leads to pneumothorax can cause a tension pneumothorax. In an uncomplicated pneumothorax, air can enter and leave the pleural space easily. In tension pneumothorax, however, air enters the pleural space with each breath and becomes trapped there.

As the amount of trapped air accumulates, pressure builds up in the chest. The lung collapses on that side and may push the important structures in the center of the chest (such as the heart, major blood vessels, and airways) toward the other side of the chest. The shift may cause compression of the opposite lung and may affect the flow of blood returning to the heart.

This situation can lead to low blood pressure, shock, and death.

• Sudden chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Easy fatigue
• Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased mental alertness
• Consciousness, decreased
• Breathing, rapid
• Distended neck veins (the veins in the neck appear to bulge)

Physical examination may show decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. Structures in the mediastinum (center of the chest) may appear shifted. Subcutaneous emphysema (air trapped in the tissue of the chest wall) may be present, causing a spongy feeling when the chest is felt with the hands (palpation).

In general, if a health care provider suspects tension pneumothorax, treatment should start before diagnostic tests are done. Nonetheless, some tests may help confirm the diagnosis if there is doubt or to assess the severity of the situation:

Tests used in the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax include:

• A  chest x-ray
• Arterial blood gases
• Electrocardiogram

If you have symptoms of tension pneumothorax, seek immediate medical 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.

Up to 50% of patients who have a pneumothorax will have another. There are no long-term complications following successful therapy.

• Acute respiratory failure
• Pneumomediastinum (air in the mediastinal space, which can interfere with heart and lung functioning)
• Shock (extremely low blood pressure)
• Death

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of this disorder are present.

Use precautions to avoid chest trauma. Many cases are not preventable.

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000. 

Marx J. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.