What is the definition or description of: tension pneumothorax?

Tension pneumothorax: Pneumothorax literally mean gas (air) in the thorax, especially in the space around the lungs. What distinguishes a tension pneumothorax is that the gas is under pressure. This leads to rapid collapse of the lung and can squeeze the heart, leading inability of the heart to pump blood, hypotension and death. Tension pneumothorax requires rapid medical treatement to vent the pressurized gas.

Tension Pneumothorax: This is a life threatening condition which occurs when increasing amount of air gets trapped in the pleural space. It results in lung collapse, shifting of trachea, heart and large blood vessels within chest, to the opposite side. This also prevents the blood from returning to the heart. This leads to low blood pressure and death if not treated emergently.

Air in chest: A tension pneumothorax is air collecting in the chest with no way out. This leads to an increase in air, with an increase in pressure in the chest. The heart and lungs get pushed to the opposite side, causing a significant drop in blood pressure. This can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Pressure: A pneumothorax with enough pressure to compress the right side of the 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 life threatening condition will lead to low blood pressure and is rapidly fatal if not treated emergently.