tension pneumothorax

A tension pneumothorax occurs when air builds up rapidly in the space between your lungs and chest wall, called the pleural cavity, due to a lung injury or other cause. This trapped air causes pressure to increase, pushing the lung collapse and shifting the heart and other organs toward the opposite side. This can interfere with breathing and blood circulation, becoming life-threatening if not treated promptly. It often results from trauma or injury and requires emergency intervention, such as urgently releasing the trapped air to restore normal pressure and prevent serious complications.