Chest tubes are used in critically ill patients to drain air, blood or fluid from the pleural space, which is the cavity that surrounds the lungs. The chest cavity is a negative pressure cavity, meaning it has a continuous vacuum within the...
A collapsed lung is caused when air or fluid enters into the chest cavity and disrupts the negative pressure that is necessary to keep lungs expanded. In order for the lung to re-expand, the air needs to be removed. The placement of a chest tube...
A chest tube, also called a chest drain or drainage tube, is used to remove excess fluids, air or blood that accumulates around your lungs or heart. Chest tubes often are used following surgery or to treat various conditions that cause fluid...
Lung surgery is any surgically invasive procedure performed to treat lung diseases such as lung cancer and severe lung infection, according to Medline Plus. Common lung surgery procedures include wedge resection or the removal of a portion of the...
Although it’s pronounced just like the vegetable, the “cabbage” surgical procedure is actually referred to as CABG, or coronary artery bypass grafting. During the procedure, a surgeon creates a new passage for blood flow in the...
Colon tubes are flexible plastic tubes that deliver solution from an enema bag to the colon. Enemas are used to treat severe constipation, often after other treatment methods have failed to provide adequate relief. Though the act of using a colon...
Asthma is a condition of chronic inflammation in the lungs. The inflammation causes narrowing of the airways, which results in a characteristic high-pitched sound, called wheezing, as air tries to move out through the narrowed airways. Children...
The double-layer membrane surrounding the lungs is called the pleura, and also covers the inner chest wall. It keeps the chest cavity airtight, however, if air enters the space between the two layers of the pleura, a collapsed lung or pneumothorax...
Hypoxemia, or low-blood oxygen, also called hypoxia, can result from illnesses, injuries or diseases. Supplemental oxygen typically corrects the problem and medication prevents susceptibility in patients with chronic conditions. Treatments for...
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the lining of the abdomen, which is called the peritoneum. It can also be called abdominal mesothelioma.
Lung and breathing problems can occur due to such respiratory illnesses and conditions as asthma, pneumonia, collapsed lung and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inflamed and swollen lungs and airways make breathing difficult and cause chest...
Laparoscopy is a type of surgical technique. In laparoscopy, a small incision is made in the abdomen or pelvis. A small tube is placed into the abdominal space, and carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen. Other small incisions are made...
A collapsed lung is a serious condition as it prevents oxygen from being properly absorbed into the blood. A collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, can involve the collapse of part of a lung or can involve the whole of one lung. When a lung...
Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor occurring in the lining of the lung ,abdominal cavity, chest cavity, or the sac that protects the heart as well as the protective tissue that surrounds most of the internal organs. Caused by breathing asbestos...
ChloraPrep's Sepp antiseptic applicator contains a mixture of 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. It has a soft sponge at the tip which gently scrubs and delivers medication to the first five cell layers of the...
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is an over-the-counter laxative that can be purchased at most grocery stores and pharmacies. When taken orally, a solution of Epsom salt and water produces a bowel movement in as little as 30 minutes. An Epsom...
Congenital heart disease describes a defect in the structure of the heart or its vessels that occurs during fetal development. Congenital heart disease can be either mild or severe, and treatment options depend on the type and severity of the...
When your child has a condition requiring a chest X-ray, you're already worried about his health. Concerns about the dangers posed by the X-ray can become just one more concern that you have to deal with. However, the risks of a single chest X-ray...
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure. The disease can be difficult to treat, due to the fact that the cancerous cells grow in the lining that so closely protects the internal organs. Treatment methods...
The pleura is a double-layer membrane that surrounds the lungs and the inner chest wall. Essentially, it is a closed, airtight system. However, when air enters the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall as the result of disease or injury,...
