Haemothorax, Pneumothorax, Tension Pneumothorax: What's the difference?

Kia ora team,

Let's talk about the difference between a haemothorax, a pneumothorax and a tension pneumothorax and how they can be life-threatening.

Haemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural space.
Significant blood loss into the pleural space can collapse the lung and cause hypoxia, and lead to hypovolemic shock, decreasing blood pressure and reducing perfusion to vital organs.

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space.
Tension pneumothorax is a type of pneumothorax where air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, creating increasing pressure.

A tear in the lung or chest wall creates a one-way valve that allows air to enter the pleural space but not escape, causing pressure to build up with each breath.
The trapped air increases pressure within the chest cavity.
The increasing pressure pushes the mediastinum (heart, trachea, and major blood vessels) toward the opposite side of the chest ( Mediastinal Shift ).
The affected lung collapses, and the increased pressure can also compress the opposite lung and cause hypoxia.
Compression of the heart and major blood vessels reduces venous return (decreased preload) and cardiac output. This can cause Obstructive shock.

Happy studying team