What is TPX?
TPX is a term used to refer to Tension Pneumothorax in the medical and healthcare industry. This is a serious and oftentimes fatal type of ailment which occurs when the air is accrued under pressure causing the collapse of the lungs. The accumulated air is basically in the area of the body known as pleural space. In the case of this medical condition, too much pressure eventually results to the lungs collapsing and resulting to imminent danger and even death.

TPX occurs when the air goes through the lungs or in this case, the pleural cavity and does not go out for exhalation. When the air is trapped in this particular cavity, air pressure eventually happens in the thorax. The lungs are then compacted or squeezed together because of the buildup of atmospheric pressure. This could eventually result to the displacement of the mediastinum and related structures of the organ including the lungs. It could also be the source of cardiopulmonary ailments and abnormalities.

There are various reasons or root causes why this type of condition occurs. Nevertheless, the outcome of such medical condition is primarily severe or even fatal. It could lead to certain ailments such as shock, low blood pressure and in worse scenarios, death.

You could find some common symptoms to let you realize and determine that you may be dealing with TPX or tension Pneumothorax. You could feel sudden and intense chest pains, chest tightness, shortness of breath, easy fatigue, rapid heart rate, bluish color on the skin surface because of oxygen deficiency.

There are diagnostic exams and tests you could resort to in order to find out if you are dealing with this severe dilemma on your health. Tests for the diagnosis include simple chest x-rays or more complicated procedures such as electrocardiogram or arterial blood gases.