HEMATHORAX Meaning and
Definition
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Hemothorax is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, the space between the outer lining of the lungs and the inner lining of the chest wall. The pleural cavity normally contains a thin layer of fluid that allows the lungs to expand and contract smoothly during breathing. However, in cases of hemothorax, this space fills with blood due to trauma or injury.
Hemothorax usually occurs as a result of chest trauma, such as a penetrating injury, blunt force, or an accident. It can also arise from medical procedures, such as a lung biopsy or surgery. The severity of hemothorax depends on the amount of blood accumulated in the pleural cavity, which can range from a small collection to a life-threatening condition that may lead to respiratory distress and shock.
The symptoms of hemothorax include difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and decreased blood pressure. Diagnosis of hemothorax involves physical examination, chest X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scan. Treatment options typically involve draining the accumulated blood from the pleural cavity through a procedure called a thoracentesis or by inserting a chest tube to facilitate continuous drainage. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to control bleeding and repair any damaged blood vessels or organs.
If left untreated, hemothorax can lead to complications such as infection, respiratory failure, or permanent lung damage. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to resolve the underlying cause and prevent further complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMATHORAX
- haemothorax
- gemathorax
- bemathorax
- nemathorax
- jemathorax
- uemathorax
- yemathorax
- hwmathorax
- hsmathorax
- hdmathorax
- hrmathorax
- h4mathorax
- h3mathorax
- henathorax
- hekathorax
- hejathorax
- hemzthorax
- hemsthorax
- hemwthorax
- hemqthorax
Etymology of HEMATHORAX
The word "hemathorax" is derived from Greek roots. It is a combination of "hema", meaning "blood", and "thorax", which refers to the chest or the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen. Therefore, "hemathorax" describes a medical condition involving a buildup of blood within the chest cavity.
