Supraphrenic hemothorax: symptoms, causes and treatment
Hemothorax supraphrenic, also known as h. supradiaphragmaticus is a serious medical condition that requires immediate intervention and treatment. It is characterized by the presence of blood in the pleural cavity, which is located above the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. This type of hemothorax can have various causes and can cause serious problems with the patient's breathing and general condition. In this article we will look at the symptoms, causes and methods of treating supradiaphragmatic hemothorax.
Symptoms of supradiphrenic hemothorax can vary depending on the extent of the injury and the amount of blood that has accumulated. However, the most common symptoms are:
-
Shortness of breath: Patients may experience difficulty breathing or a feeling of shortness of breath.
-
Chest pain: The pain may be tender or dull and may get worse with deep breathing or coughing.
-
Weakness and fatigue: Patients may feel weak and fatigued due to blood loss.
-
Blueness of lips and nails: due to impaired exchange of gases in the blood, patients may have cyanosis - blueness of the lips, nails and skin.
The causes of supradiaphragmatic hemothorax can be varied. It can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident or fall, that damages the chest. It may also be associated with medical procedures such as a lung biopsy or chest surgery. Rare causes include the presence of malignant tumors, infections or bleeding from blood vessels.
Treatment of supradiaphragmatic hemothorax requires immediate medical attention and may include the following methods:
-
Chest drainage: A chest tube may need to be inserted through a small incision in the chest wall to remove accumulated blood and restore normal pressure in the chest cavity.
-
Blood transfusion: If a patient experiences significant blood loss, they may require a transfusion of blood or blood components to restore normal blood volume.
-
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to repair damaged blood vessels or stop the source of bleeding.
-
Symptomatic treatment: Patients may be prescribed medications to relieve pain and improve breathing, such as analgesics and bronchodilators.
It is important to note that supradiaphragmatic hemothorax is a serious condition that requires medical intervention. If the above symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Delay in treatment can lead to complications such as infection, pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), or even death.
In conclusion, supradiphrenic hemothorax is a condition in which blood accumulates in the pleural space above the diaphragm. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including injury and medical procedures. Treatment includes drainage of the pleural cavity, blood transfusion, surgery and symptomatic therapy. It is important to see a doctor when symptoms appear for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition.