Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax v.s Tension Pneumothorax are given below:

Characterstics

Pneumothorax

Tension Pneumothorax

Definition Air or gas in the pleural cavity puts pressure on the lung, causing it to partially or fully collapse. Accumulation of air in the pleural space under pressure, compressing the lungs and decreasing venous return to the heart.
Causes Injury, lung disease, spontaneous occurrence. Penetrating chest injury, mechanical ventilation, barotrauma, spontaneous occurrence.
Occurrences Can occur in any individual. More likely to occur in individuals with lung disease or previous pneumothorax.
Symptoms Chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing. Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, decreased pulse oximetry readings.
Treatment Observation, simple drainage, surgical intervention. Immediate chest tube placement to relieve pressure and allow the lung to re-expand.
Severity Can range from mild to severe. Considered a medical emergency and more severe than a pneumothorax.
Complications Partial or full lung collapse decreased oxygenation. Complete lung collapse, cardiac arrest, disrupted cardiac and respiratory function, reduced oxygenation.
Diagnosis Chest x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound. Chest x-ray, physical examination, pulse oximetry, and other diagnostic tests as needed.
Prevention Avoiding injury, avoiding lung disease, and avoiding high-risk activities. Avoiding injury, avoiding lung disease, avoiding high-risk activities, and seeking prompt treatment for pneumothorax.

Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension are the two medical terms that affect the lungs and cause severe breathing problems. Both these problems occur due to the accumulation of air in the pleural space. This happens after lung injury or lung disease.

Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension damages the pleural cavity of the body causing lung diseases. In this article, we will discuss Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension in detail along with their similarities and differences.

Table of Content

  • Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax
  • What is Pneumothorax?
  • What is Tension Pneumothorax? 
  • Similarities between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax 
  • Conclusion – Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax
  • FAQs – Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

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Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax v.s Tension Pneumothorax are given below:...

What is Pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax Definition – The occurrence of air or gas into the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and chest wall, is called a Pneumothorax disease....

What is Tension Pneumothorax?

Tension Pneumothorax Definition – It is the accumulation of air in the pleural space under pressure, compressing the lungs and decreasing venous return to the heart....

Similarities between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Similarities between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax are discussed below in a detailed point-wise manner:...

Conclusion – Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension are serious lung conditions that can lead to significant breathing difficulties. Both conditions occur when air builds up in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and chest wall, typically after lung injury or disease. Pneumothorax involves the partial or complete collapse of the lung due to air pressure, while Tension Pneumothorax involves air accumulation under pressure, compressing the lung and affecting heart function....

FAQs – Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Can a Chest X-Ray Always Detect Pneumothorax?...

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