Table of contents:
- What are the symptoms of a hemothorax?
- What causes hemothorax?
- How do doctors diagnose hemothorax?
- What is the proper treatment for hemothorax?
- Are there any complications resulting from hemothorax?
Hemothorax (hemothorax) is a condition where there is accumulation or accumulation of blood in the pleural opening (pleural cavity), namely the cavity between the lung and lung walls. In most cases, this condition occurs when the patient has a chest injury such as a torn rib or being hit by a hard object as a result of an accident. Hemothorax can cause a person to experience several respiratory problems.
This condition can be treated with special medical techniques through a catheter tube. However, to obtain the diagnosis requires a physical examination supported by imaging results from chest X-rays. For more details, see the following discussion on hemothorax!
What are the symptoms of a hemothorax?
Hemothrax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural opening. This buildup of blood volume can put considerable pressure on the lungs. As a result, lung work becomes obstructed and problematic.
A person experiencing hemothorax will show respiratory symptoms that vary and are similar to other respiratory problems. Therefore, the symptoms of hemothorax are actually difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of other respiratory diseases.
Some of the signs and symptoms shown by hemothorax are as follows:
- Chest pain, the more you feel when you breathe, especially when you breathe deeply
- Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
- Excessive restlessness and fatigue
- Heart rate increases and blood pressure decreases.
- Skin looks pale
- High fever, can even be more than 38 degrees Celsius
Hemothorax can be very dangerous if it is not treated with medical treatment as soon as possible. In severe cases, which can reach 1000 ml (1 liter) can cause the sufferer to go into shock.
Therefore, if you experience one or more of the symptoms above, do not delay to see a doctor immediately.
What causes hemothorax?
In the study entitled Etiology and Management of Spontaneous Haemothorax The accumulation of blood in the pleural opening which is the main cause of hemothorax comes from damage or rupture of the pleural membrane which functions to protect the lungs. As a result, blood from the body can easily enter the pleural cavity and press on the lungs.
This damage to the pleural membrane can be triggered by complications from heart or lung surgery. The reason is, this procedure requires the surgeon to open the chest wall and does not rule out the possibility of causing blood to leak into the pleural cavity. Especially when the incisions in the heart or lungs are not closed properly.
On the other hand, open organs or blood vessels in the lung area, as well as an injury or accident that causes a severe impact to the lung can also cause hemothorax.
That is why doctors and the medical team are obliged to check the lungs of patients who have been victims of accidents or who have suffered chest injuries.
But apart from that, there are also various health conditions that can cause hemothorax, such as:
- Pulmonary infections, such as tuberculosis (TB).
- The presence of cancer cells in the lungs.
- There is a blood clot flowing to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Lung tissue dysfunction.
- Tearing of a blood vessel due to the insertion of a catheter during heart surgery.
- Bleeding disorders caused by blockage or overdose from taking blood thinners.
Hemothorax conditions caused by injury or injury from surgery and biopsy usually do not get worse quickly. However, the progression of the disease can be faster if it is caused by cancer or a tumor around the lungs.
How do doctors diagnose hemothorax?
The first test the doctor does is to detect abnormal breathing sounds with the help of a stethoscope. If there is known respiratory distress, the doctor will suggest other examination methods that can help confirm the condition of the hemothorax, such as:
- X-rays or X-rays: rongent thorax image is taken if you experience injuries or fractures in the chest and abdomen. People who suffer from hemothorax will show white patches, which are blood filling the pleural cavity.
- Chest CT scan: shows a complete picture of the structure of the lung and pleural cavity so that the doctor can confirm whether there is an abnormality or not.
- Ultrasound (USG): this examination can provide a faster and more accurate imaging result in detecting the presence of a hemothorax, usually done in an emergency.
Doctors usually also require an analysis of a sample of pleural fluid for blood buildup. For samples categorized as hemothorax, it must contain at least 50 percent of the blood that comes from peripheral or peripheral tissue.
What is the proper treatment for hemothorax?
Hemothorax treatment aims to remove all the blood that has accumulated in the pleural cavity and stop the cause of bleeding. The method used to remove this blood buildup is thoracocentesis.
This method involves a tube that is inserted into the chest through the ribs to drain the blood or fluid that has accumulated out of the body.
The drainage of blood and fluids through the tube will continue until the lungs are felt to be working properly.
However, if bleeding in the lungs continues, surgery or thoracotomy is necessary to immediately determine the source of the bleeding. Surgery is very possible to be done in cases where the source of bleeding is difficult to know with certainty.
Are there any complications resulting from hemothorax?
There are various complications that may occur in hemothorax patients, ranging from lung problems that can cause difficulty breathing, respiratory infections, blockage of pleural fluid in the chest cavity, pleurisy to pulmonary fibrosis.
In severe cases, hemothorax can cause the sufferer to go into shock due to lack of blood and oxygen to be distributed throughout the body. Shock resulting from blood loss is called hypovolemic shock, which can cause permanent damage to organs — including the heart, lungs, and brain.
