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Means air in the chest?
Pneumothorax (or pneumomediastinum).
Can Tension pneumothorax kill?
In rare cases pneumomediastinum can be fatal. These cases are caused when a lung collapses because of air build up in the space around the lung or when air builds up in the chest, pushing the heart and blood vessels.
What is the most serious injury that a diver could suffer if they hold their breath upon ascending?
Answer: The most serious injury is lung barotraumas, which can result in pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, and arterial gas embolism. Barotrauma is injury caused by pressure effects on air spaces. This may occur during ascent or descent. The ears are the most commonly affected body part. All divers, commercial air travelers, people traveling overland between different altitudes, and people who work in pressurized environments have had to deal with some degree of barotrauma effect upon their ears, sinuses, and other air spaces. At the most extreme, barotrauma can cause ruptured eardrums, bleeding sinuses, exploding tooth cavities, and the lung injuries described above. This is the reason why divers follow a golden rule of never holding their breath: by breathing continuously, they avoid any pressure differences between their lungs and ambient pressure.
Pneumomediastinum?
DefinitionPneumomediastinum is air in the space between the lungs, in the middle of the chest (the mediastinum).Alternative NamesMediastinal emphysemaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPneumomediastinum is uncommon. It occurs when air leaks from any part of the lung or airways into the mediastinum. Most often, one of the small air sacs (alveoli) ruptures and leaks air.The condition can be caused by a traumatic injury or by disease. Increased pressure within the lungs or airways can rupture the air sacs or airways, allowing air to escape into surrounding structures. Such pressure can be caused by excessive coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or repeated bearing down to increase abdominal pressure (such as pushing during childbirth or a bowel movement).It may also happen following:Accidental tearing of the trachea (windpipe)Rapid ascents in altitude, SCUBA divingUse of a breathing machineUsing inhaled recreational drugs such as crack cocainePneumomediastinum also can occur in association with pneumothorax or other diseases.SymptomsThere may be no symptoms. The condition usually causes chest pain below the breastbone, which may spread to the neck or arms. The pain may be worse when you take a breath or swallow.Signs and testsDuring a physical examination, the doctor may feel small bubbles of air under the skin of the chest, arms, or neck. A chest x-ray or CAT scan of the chest may be done to confirm the presence of air in the mediastinum and help diagnose a hole in the trachea or esophagus.TreatmentOften, no treatment is needed because the body will gradually absorb the air itself. Breathing high concentrations of oxygen may speed up this process.The doctor may put in a chest tube if the condition is accompanied by a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Surgery is needed to repair a hole in the trachea or esophagus.Expectations (prognosis)The outlook depends on the disease or events that caused the pneumomediastinum.ComplicationsThe air may build up and enter the space around the lungs (pleural space), causing the lung to collapse.More rarely, air may enter the area between the heart and the thin sac that surrounds the heart. This is called a pneumopericardium.In other rare cases, so much air builds up in the middle of the chest that it pushes on veins in the area. This can interfere with the heart's ability to pump, and leads to low blood pressure.All these complications require urgent attention.Calling your health care providerGo to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.ReferencesPark DR, Vallieres E. Pneumomediastinum and mediastinitis. In: Mason RJ, Murray JF, Broaddus VC, Nadel JA, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 72.
Mediastinitis?
DefinitionMediastinitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the area between the lungs (mediastinum). This area contains the heart, large blood vessels, windpipe (trachea), esophagus, thymus gland, lymph nodes, and connective tissues.Alternative NamesChest infectionCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMediastinitis may occur suddenly (acute) or may develop slowly and get worse over time (chronic). Most cases occur in patients who have had open chest surgery. Less than 5 percent of patients develop mediastinitis after having chest surgery.Patients may have a tear in their esophagus that causes mediastinitis. Causes of the tear include:A procedure such as endoscopyForceful or constant vomitingTraumaOther causes of mediastinitis include:CancerHistoplasmosisRadiationSarcoidosisTuberculosisRisk factors include:Problems in the upper gastrointestinal tractRecent chest surgery or endoscopyWeak immune systemSymptomsChest painChillsCoughing up bloodFeverMalaiseShortness of breathSigns and testsSigns of mediastinitis in patients who have had recent surgery include:Chest wall tendernessWound drainageUnstable chest wallTests include:Chest CT scanor MRI scanChest x-rayYour health care provider may insert a needle into the area of inflammation and remove a sample to send for gram stain and culture to find the source of any infection.TreatmentYou may receive antibiotics if you have an infection.You may need surgery to remove the area of inflammation if the blood vessels, windpipe, or esophagus is blocked.Expectations (prognosis)How well a person does depends on the cause of the mediastinitis.Mediastinitis after open chest surgery is very serious. There is a significant risk of dying from the condition.ComplicationsComplications include the following:Spread of the infection to the: BloodstreamBlood vesselsBonesHeartLungsScarringScarring can be severe, especially when it is caused by chronic mediastinitis. Scarring can interfere with heart or lung function.Calling your health care providerContact your health care provider if you have had open chest surgery and develop:Chest painChillsDrainage from the woundFeverShortness of breathIf you have tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, or sarcoidosis and develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.PreventionThe only way to prevent mediastinosis related to chest surgery is to keep surgical wounds clean and dry after surgery.Treating tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or other conditions associated with mediastinitis may prevent this complication.ReferencesPark DR, Vallieres E. Pneumomediastinum and mediastinitis. In: Mason RJ, Murray J, Broaddus VC, Nadel J, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 72.
How does bulimia affect behavior?
Bulimia Effects* Circulatory Effects: Bulimia can cause a person to suffer from cardiac arrhythmias; the heart's electrical activity becomes irregular. The walls of the heart can rupture and lead to heart attacks. Additionally, ipecac abuse can lead to cardiomyopathy, or a diseased heart muscle. ** Digestive Effects: Bingeing can swell the stomach, while purging can lead to swelling or rupture of the esophagus. ** Muscular Effects: Proximal muscle atrophy and weakness from frequent vomiting; the potential to develop tetany from potassium irregularities. ** Urinary Effects: Impaired kidney function ** Nervous Effects: Central nervous system seizures. ** Respiratory Effects: Bulimics can suffer pulmonary problems from inhaling stomach contents, as well as an uncommon condition called pneumomediastinum, when air escapes the lungs into the chest cavity. It can be recognized by what's called Hamman's crunch; a crunching sound is made with each cardiac cycle. *Finally, bulimia can seriously impact one's mental health, leading to depression, isolation, suicide attempts, or substance abuse. Bulimia Effects should be taken very seriously as they can often be harmful to one's health and well being. source: http://www.eatingdisordersonline.com/explain/bulimiaeffects.php
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?
DefinitionNeonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is most commonly a complication seen in premature infants. The condition makes it difficult to breathe.Alternative NamesHyaline membrane disease; Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS); Respiratory distress syndrome in infants; RDS - infantsCauses, incidence, and risk factorsNeonatal RDS occurs in infants whose lungs have not yet fully developed.The disease is mainly caused by a lack of a slippery, protective substance called surfactant, which helps the lungs inflate with air and keeps the air sacs from collapsing. This substance normally appears in mature lungs.It can also be the result of genetic problems with lung development.The earlier a baby is born, the less developed the lungs are and the higher the chance of neonatal RDS. Most cases are seen in babies born before 28 weeks. It is very uncommon in infants born full-term (at 40 weeks).In addition to prematurity, the following increase the risk of neonatal RDS:A brother or sister who had RDSDiabetes in the motherCesarean deliveryDelivery complications that lead to acidosis in the newborn at birthMultiple pregnancy (twins or more)Rapid laborThe risk of neontal RDS may be decreased if the pregnant mother has chronic, pregnancy-related high blood pressure or prolonged rupture of membranes, because the stress of these situations cause the infant's lungs to mature sooner.SymptomsThe symptoms usually appear within minutes of birth, although they may not be seen for several hours. Symptoms may include:Bluish color of the skin and mucus membranes (cyanosis)Brief stop in breathing (apnea)Decreased urine outputGruntingNasal flaringPuffy or swollen arms or legsRapid breathingShallow breathingShortness of breath and grunting sounds while breathingUnusual breathing movement -- drawing back of the chest muscles with breathingSigns and testsA blood gas analysis shows low oxygen and excess acid in the body fluids.A chest x-ray shows respiratory distress. The lungs have a characteristic "ground glass" appearance, which often develops 6 to 12 hours after birth. Lung function studies may be needed.Lab tests are done to rule out infection and sepsis as a cause of the respiratory distress.TreatmentHigh-risk and premature infants require prompt attention by a neonatal resuscitation team.Despite greatly improved RDS treatment in recent years, many controversies still exist. Delivering artificial surfactant directly to the infant's lungs can be enormously important, but how much should be given and who should receive it and when is still under investigation.Infants will be given warm, moist oxygen. This is critically important, but needs to be given carefully to reduce the side effects associated with too much oxygen.A breathing machine can be lifesaving, especially for babies with the following:High levels of carbon dioxide in the arteriesLow blood oxygen in the arteriesLow blood pH (acidity)It can also be lifesaving for infants with repeated breathing pauses. There are a number of different types of breathing machines available. However, the devices can damage fragile lung tissues, and breathing machines should be avoided or limited when possible.A treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) that delivers slightly pressurized air through the nose can help keep the airways open and may prevent the need for a breathing machine for many babies. Even with CPAP, oxygen and pressure will be reduced as soon as possible to prevent side effects associated with excessive oxygen or pressure.A variety of other treatments may be used, including:Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to directly put oxygen in the blood if a breathing machine can't be usedInhaled nitric oxide to improve oxygen levelsIt is important that all babies with RDS receive excellent supportive care, including the following, which help reduce the infant's oxygen needs:Few disturbancesGentle handlingMaintaining ideal body temperatureInfants with RDS also need careful fluid management and close attention to other situations, such as infections, if they develop.Expectations (prognosis)The condition often worsens for 2 to 4 days after birth with slow improvement thereafter. Some infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome will die, although this is rare on the first day of life. If it occurs, it usually happens between days 2 and 7.Long-term complications may develop as a result of oxygen toxicity, high pressures delivered to the lungs, the severity of the condition itself, or periods when the brain or other organs did not receive enough oxygen.ComplicationsAir or gas may build up in:The space surrounding the lungs (pneumothorax)The space in the chest between two lungs (pneumomediastinum)The area between the heart and the thin sac that surrounds the heart (pneumopericardium)Other complications may include:Bleeding into the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage of the newborn)Bleeding into the lung (sometimes associated with surfactant use)Blood clots due to an umbilical arterial catheterBronchopulmonary dysplasiaDelayed mental development and mental retardation associated with brain damage or bleedingRetinopathy of prematurity and blindnessCalling your health care providerThis disorder usually develops shortly after birth while the baby is still in the hospital. If you have given birth at home or outside a medical center, seek emergency attention if your baby develops any difficulty breathing.PreventionPreventing prematurity is the most important way to prevent neonatal RDS. Ideally, this effort begins with the first prenatal visit, which should be scheduled as soon as a mother discovers that she is pregnant. Good prenatal care results in larger, healthier babies and fewer premature births.Avoiding unnecessary or poorly timed cesarean sections can also reduce the risk of RDS.If a mother does go into labor early, a lab test will be done to determine the maturity of the infant's lungs. When possible, labor is usually halted until the test shows that the baby's lungs have matured. This decreases the chances of developing RDS.In some cases, medicines called corticosteroids may be given to help speed up lung maturity in the developing baby. They are often given to pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy who seem likely to delivery in the next week. The therapy can reduce the rate and severity of RDS, as well as the rate of other complications of prematurity, such as intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus, and necrotizing enterocolitis. It is not clear if additional doses of corticosteroids are safe or effective.ReferencesCloherty J, Stark A, Eichenwald E. Manual of Neonatal Care. 5th ed. Lippincott, Wilkins and Williams; 2003.Cole FS. Defects in surfactant synthesis: clinical implications. Pediatr Clin North Am. Oct 2006; 53(5): 911-27.Courtney SE. Continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive ventilation. Clin Perinatol. Mar 2007; 34(1): 73-92.Kinsella JP, Inhaled nitric oxide in the premature newborn. J Pediatr. Jul 2007; 151(1): 10-5.Lampland AL. The role of high-frequency ventilation in neonates: evidence-based recommendations. Clin Perinatol. Mar 2007; 34(1): 129-44.Stevens TP. Surfactant replacement therapy. Chest. May 2007; 131(5): 1577-82.
