Hydropneumothorax

Hydropneumothorax: symptoms, causes and treatment

Hydropneumothorax, also known as pneumohydrothorax, is a serious condition characterized by the presence of both air and fluid in the pleural space that surrounds the lungs. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to serious complications and even threaten the patient's life.

Symptoms of hydropneumothorax may include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid and shallow respiratory distress, and rapid heartbeat. Patients may also experience intense feelings of anxiety and fear due to difficulty breathing. In some cases, compression of the lung may occur, leading to even more severe symptoms.

Hydropneumothorax can be caused by various reasons. This is often associated with trauma to the chest, such as a broken rib or punctured lung. It may also be associated with certain medical procedures, such as inserting a central venous catheter or performing a lung biopsy. In rare cases, hydropneumothorax may be caused by congenital abnormalities or lung diseases.

Various examinations are commonly used to diagnose hydropneumothorax, including chest x-ray, computed tomography, and ultrasound. These methods allow doctors to determine the presence of air and fluid in the pleural cavity and assess the degree of impairment of lung function.

Treatment of hydropneumothorax usually involves two main aspects: evacuation of air and fluid from the pleural space and treatment of the underlying disease or cause of the condition. A procedure known as a chest tube may be used to evacuate air and fluid. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a rough needle or thin tube into the chest cavity to remove excess air and fluid.

After removing air and fluid, doctors turn their attention to treating the underlying disease or cause of hydropneumothorax. Depending on this, surgery or drug therapy may be required.

In conclusion, hydropneumothorax is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention. Symptoms of hydropneumothorax can be similar to symptoms of other diseases, so it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Timely seeking medical help and proper treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and prevent possible complications.

Hydropneumothorax (Greek hydrós water, pneumó / pnéuma - “air”, thorax - “chest”) is an accumulation of fluid (blood and/or air) and gas in the pleural cavity during an open chest injury. In one of the translated English-language sources the name pneumohemothorax is found from ancient Greek. πνεῦμα “breathing”, because air enters the chest cavity from the outside due to an open injury.\n\nHydropneumothorax is also called a condition when blood enters the left half of the chest, since as a result of the injury, vessels are located close to the midline, it can penetrate into the pleural cavity in the system in a woman or from behind - with a penetrating knife wound.