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If large amounts of air leak into the tissues around the head, the face can swell considerably. [8] In cases of subcutaneous emphysema around the neck, there may be a feeling of fullness in the neck, and the sound of the voice may change. [10] If SCE is particularly extreme around the neck and chest, the swelling can interfere with breathing.
The doctor injects a local anesthetic into the area of the chest wall outside where the fluid is. A plastic tube is then inserted into the chest between two ribs. The tube is connected to a box that suctions the fluid out. A chest x-ray is taken to check the tube's position. A chest tube is also used to drain blood and air from the pleural space.
Characteristic features are edema (swelling due to excess fluid) of the face and arms and development of swollen collateral veins on the front of the chest wall. Shortness of breath and coughing are quite common symptoms; difficulty swallowing is reported in 11% of cases, headache in 6% and stridor (a high-pitched wheeze) in 4%.
Chest injuries also contribute to hypoventilation (inadequate breathing) because the chest wall movement involved in breathing adequately is painful. [62] [63] Insufficient expansion of the chest may lead to atelectasis, further reducing oxygenation of the blood. [35] Analgesics (pain medications) can be given to reduce pain. [12]
Lymphedema, also known as lymphoedema and lymphatic edema, is a condition of localized swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. [2] The lymphatic system functions as a critical portion of the body's immune system and returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream.
Chest tubes are also provided in right angle, trocar, flared, and tapered configurations for different drainage needs. As well, some chest tubes are coated with heparin to help prevent thrombus formation, though the effect of this is disputed. [16] Chest tube have an end hole (proximal, toward the patient) and a series of side holes.
The larger the surgical intervention, the more likely that seromas form. Early or improper removal of sutures can sometimes lead to formation of seroma or discharge of serous fluid from operative areas. Seromas can also sometimes be caused by injury, such as when the initial swelling from a blow or fall does not fully subside.
Left tension pneumothorax with a large, well-demarcated area devoid of lung markings with tracheal deviation and movement of the heart away from the affected side. Mediastinal shift is an abnormal movement of the mediastinal structures toward one side of the chest cavity .