Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension are the two medical terms that affect the lungs and cause severe breathing problems. Both these problems occur due to the accumulation of air in the pleural space. This happens after lung injury or lung disease.

Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension damages the pleural cavity of the body causing lung diseases. In this article, we will discuss Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension in detail along with their similarities and differences.

Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax v.s Tension Pneumothorax are given below:

Characterstics	Pneumothorax	Tension Pneumothorax
Definition	Air or gas in the pleural cavity puts pressure on the lung, causing it to partially or fully collapse.	Accumulation of air in the pleural space under pressure, compressing the lungs and decreasing venous return to the heart.
Causes	Injury, lung disease, spontaneous occurrence.	Penetrating chest injury, mechanical ventilation, barotrauma, spontaneous occurrence.
Occurrences	Can occur in any individual.	More likely to occur in individuals with lung disease or previous pneumothorax.
Symptoms	Chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing.	Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, decreased pulse oximetry readings.
Treatment	Observation, simple drainage, surgical intervention.	Immediate chest tube placement to relieve pressure and allow the lung to re-expand.
Severity	Can range from mild to severe.	Considered a medical emergency and more severe than a pneumothorax.
Complications	Partial or full lung collapse decreased oxygenation.	Complete lung collapse, cardiac arrest, disrupted cardiac and respiratory function, reduced oxygenation.
Diagnosis	Chest x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound.	Chest x-ray, physical examination, pulse oximetry, and other diagnostic tests as needed.
Prevention	Avoiding injury, avoiding lung disease, and avoiding high-risk activities.	Avoiding injury, avoiding lung disease, avoiding high-risk activities, and seeking prompt treatment for pneumothorax.

What is Pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax Definition – The occurrence of air or gas into the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and chest wall, is called a Pneumothorax disease.

This air or gas presses against the lung, causing partial or complete collapse. Injury, lung illness, and spontaneous development are only a few causes of pneumothorax. This condition can raise its effects from low to high problems, the diagnosis of this condition is totally dependable on the individual case. The Pneumothorax symptoms include faster (abnormal) breathing , severe Chest Pain, and also shortness of breath. Techniques of Chest X-Rays, CT Scans, and Ultrasounds are used as diagnostic techniques.

What is Tension Pneumothorax? 

Tension Pneumothorax Definition – It is the accumulation of air in the pleural space under pressure, compressing the lungs and decreasing venous return to the heart.

Tension Pneumothorax is the same condition as Pneumothorax but it is more deadly than Pneumothorax. The air or gas that enters in lungs gets trapped, which causes more problems than Pneumothorax. The lung and nearby structures come under increasing pressure from the trapped air or gas, eventually causing the lung to collapse fully and impair normal cardiac and respiratory function.

Tension Pneumothorax causes includes penetrating chest injuries, chest trauma, mechanical ventilation or barotrauma might result in tension pneumothorax. Pneumothorax Tension symptoms are severe breathing problems, rapid breathing, decrease in BP and pulse oximetry, and chest pain. 

Similarities between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax 

Similarities between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax are discussed below in a detailed point-wise manner: 

1. Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax are similar in terms of their cause, both these problems are caused due to the presence of air in the pleural space, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall in the body.
2. Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax is similar in terms of symptoms. Problems in Breathing, Chest Pain, and Shortness of breath are the symptoms that are similar in both conditions.
3. Both conditions are similar in diagnosis, Physical exams, Chest X-Ray, and CT scans are the diagnosis methods that are the same in both. 
4. To relieve symptoms and avoid complications, both may necessitate intervention, such as the insertion of a chest tube to remove trapped air.
5. Both types can deadly affect people of any age or gender, though tension pneumothorax is more common in people who have experienced trauma or suffer from a severe illness.

Conclusion – Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension are serious lung conditions that can lead to significant breathing difficulties. Both conditions occur when air builds up in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and chest wall, typically after lung injury or disease. Pneumothorax involves the partial or complete collapse of the lung due to air pressure, while Tension Pneumothorax involves air accumulation under pressure, compressing the lung and affecting heart function.

Despite their differences, both Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Tension share similar symptoms, causes, and diagnostic methods. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, emphasizing the importance of understanding and recognizing these conditions for effective treatment.

FAQs – Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax

Can a Chest X-Ray Always Detect Pneumothorax?

No, a chest X-ray may not always detect small pneumothoraces, and other imaging tests, such as a CT scan, may be needed for diagnosis.

What Causes a Pneumothorax to Become a Tension Pneumothorax?

A Pneumothorax can develop into a Tension Pneumothorax when an injury occurs to the trachea or a large bronchus.

What is the Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax is non-expanding whereas in the tension pneumothorax, a “one way valve” defect occurs which allows only allows the air to enter and not escape out of the pleural space. This decreases the venous return to the heart.

What are 5 Signs and Symptoms of a Tension Pneumothorax?

The 5 symptoms of tension pneumothorax are – sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, and blue or discolored skin.

Can you Die from Pneumothorax?

Untreated pneumothorax can cause to serious health issue, in such conditions there can be life-threatening incidents. 

Can a Pneumothorax Heal on its Own?

Yes, small pneumothoraces can be healed on their own, but tension pneumothoraces should be diagonsed thorugh treatment only.

Can Pneumothorax be Developed from Scuba Diving?

Yes, scuba diving can raise the risk of growing pneumothorax due to changes in pressure that can cause lung injury.