Pneumothorax and Pleural Disorders

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to disorders of the pleura and pneumonia for exam preparation.

Pleural effusion

An accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.

Thoracentesis

A medical procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space using a needle.

Exudative effusion

Pleural effusion that is characterized by high protein content and often associated with inflammation or malignancy.

Transudative effusion

Pleural effusion that is caused by systemic factors leading to imbalances in pleural dynamics, such as heart failure.

Spontaneous pneumothorax

A pneumothorax that occurs without any obvious cause or trauma, often in healthy individuals.

Tension pneumothorax

A life-threatening condition where air becomes trapped in the pleural cavity and exerts pressure on the lungs and heart.

Atelectasis

Collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

Light's criteria

A set of criteria used to classify pleural effusions as transudative or exudative based on pleural fluid analysis.

Pleuritic chest pain

Sharp pain in the chest that worsens with breathing, often associated with pleuritis, or inflammation of the pleura.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity, significant in causing fluid accumulation in pleural effusions.

Oncotic pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins in the plasma that helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body's compartments.

Empyema

A collection of pus in the pleural cavity, often due to infection.

Cough

A sudden, forceful hacking sound to release air and clear the breathing passages.

Chest imaging

Diagnostic imaging used to visualize the structures of the thorax, including X-ray and ultrasound.

Auscultation

The act of listening to the internal sounds of the body, often with a stethoscope, to identify abnormalities.

Bronchopneumonia

A form of pneumonia characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung areas.

Interstitial pneumonia

Pneumonia that affects the tissue and space around the alveoli in the lungs.

CURB-65 score

A clinical tool used to assess the severity of pneumonia and guide treatment decisions based on five criteria.

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

A noninfectious type of pneumonia characterized by the involvement of bronchioles and surrounding lung tissue.