Hemothorax details and causes

 

What is Hemothorax?

It is the accumulation of blood in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

Hemothorax Causes:

Chest Accumulation of blood

Rib fractures

Lung Cancer

Blood clotting disorders

Tuberculosis

Hemothorax Signs & Symptoms:

pain

Shortness of breath

Rapid heartbeat

Low blood pressure

Cold, clammy skin

Decreased breath sounds on the affected side

Dullness to percussion over the chest.

 Hemothorax diagnosis:

Chest Ultrasound (FAST scan)

CT scan

Thoracentesis

Hemothorax Management:

Chest tube insertion to drain blood

IV fluids and blood transfusion

Surgery (thoracotomy)

Oxygen therapy to support breathing

Monitoring for infection

Hemothorax complications :

Hypovolemic shock

Infection

Lung collapse