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
