A member asked:

How does a collapsed windpipe, lung cause death?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

By compression: If a tension pneumothorax develops, cardiopulmonary collapse may develop.

Answered 8/14/2012

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Dr. Loki Skylizard answered

Specializes in Thoracic Surgery

Tension: If the collapsed lung (pneumothorax) creates enough pressure, it can compress the right side of heart. This decreases the blood return to the heart. Without adequate blood return, your heart does not have enough blood to pump out to your body. This is called tension pneumothorax. This is rapidly fatal.

Answered 12/10/2013

5.3k views

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