The Basics: Treating Pneumothorax

Today, we're diving deep into pneumothorax and hemothorax. Pneumothorax can quickly become an emergency, especially when it's not about the pressure but the declining SPO2. But where's the line between tension and hemothoraces? Our ICU doc expert clarifies that it's all about the impaired blood return to the heart. When your preload drops, it affects the cardiac output. If vitals are stable, though, it's not tension physiology. Also, did you know there are folks walking around with untreated pneumothoraces? The literature suggests only treating those affecting over 30% of the thoracic cavity. And, oh boy, many pneumothoraces come from trauma, but spontaneous cases exist. Especially with COVID, the lung scarring has made things fragile. Add trauma and narcotics, and things can get dicey. But remember, before deciding to treat a pneumothorax, be sure it's the right move. Better safe than sorry! Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. deltadevteam.com For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective