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Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax occurs when
air leaks from damaged air sacs and collects in the space
around the lungs causing the collapse of the lung on the affected
side. Gas exchange can be affected in both lungs and can result
in respiratory failure.
Tension pneumothorax occurs
when a large air leak exerts pressure on the opposite lung
and the heart compressing both. If severe the heart can be
seriously affect and consequently the baby’s condition
can deteriorate. Babies requiring ventilatory assistance and
those with meconium aspiration syndrome have a higher risk
of tension pneumothorax.
A pneumothorax is treated
by placing a drain into the chest cavity to allow the trapped
air to be released. The drain can be removed once the air
leak from the lung has healed.
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