Pneumothorax Vs Pleural Effusion Physical Exam

A pleural effusion is when there is more fluid than normal in the space between the tissue that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity. Pulmonary edema which may occur if a large amount of fluid is removed too rapidly.

Chest Physical Examination 2

While auscultation is most commonly practiced both percussion and inspection are equally valuable techniques that can diagnose a number of lung abnormalities such as pleural effusions emphysema pneumonia and many others.

Pneumothorax vs pleural effusion physical exam. Cox jr in pediatric surgery seventh edition 2012. Pleural effusions are the result of excessive fluid accumulation in the pleural space and pneumothoraces occur as a result of the accumulation of air within the pleural space. A pleural effusion can be caused by.

19 2 the underlying cause is usually a pulmonary laceration or an injury to the trachea or a large bronchus. Dullness is most in posterior base in erect position. Chest radiography characteristically shows the displacement of the visceral pleural line with a space devoid of lung markings in between.

Smaller cases of pleural effusion may not be treated at all but the doctor will investigate what caused the effusion in the first place and that will likely be the target of treatment. Mediastinum is in midline to start with and gradually gets shifted to opposite site as the pleural pressure becomes positive. Pneumothorax air trapping in the lung or pleural space respectively will produce.

Emphysema or acute e g. Fluid known as a pleural effusion can collect in the potential space that exists between the lung and the chest wall displacing the lung upwards. Flatness is recognized by tapping the chest with flat.

Chest expansion decreases on the side of effusion due to decreased ventilation. Resonance is dull and flat to percussion. Pneumothorax or a partial collapse of the lung caused by air entering the pleural space through the needle or rarely by the needle puncturing the lung allowing air to flow into the pleural space.

Alternatively processes that lead to chronic e g. In an emergency in the icu the first step is to go to the bedside and examine the patient. The diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax is often suggested by the patient s history and physical exam findings which can be confirmed by imaging.

To better understand the pathophysiology of pleural effusions and pneumothoraces it is essential to understand the anatomy of the pleural space. Many people do not experience any symptoms at all but the most common symptom is shortness of breath and chest pain when a person breathes deeply or coughs. Tension pneumothorax may develop when a one way valve effect occurs allowing air to enter the pleural space but not to escape fig.

In this case there are some key physical findings that should help determine the cause of hypotension and distinguish between hemothorax and pneumothorax. A pleural effusion can be. The pulmonary exam is one of the most important and often practiced exam by clinicians.

Pleural Effusion Pulmonary Disorders Merck Manuals