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February 10, 2012
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Collapsed Lung (cont.)

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Exams and Tests

  • Examination of the chest by listening with a stethoscope and tapping techniques can suggest pneumothorax. If a tension pneumothorax is present, the signs that can occur are as follows:

    • The blood pressure will fall as the result of decreased heart output.

    • Cyanosis or blueness of the skin will occur as the tissues lose their oxygen.

    • Decreased levels of consciousness may occur because of the low blood pressure, decreased brain perfusion, and low oxygenation.

  • Definitive diagnosis is made with chest x-rays.

    • A very small pneumothorax can be missed on routine chest x-ray.

    • The doctor may take multiple films, including x-rays in full expiration, or even a CT scan of the chest, to look for a collapsed lung.
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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Pneumothorax »

Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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