Air trapping

Under Air trapping ( German translation " air capture" ), one can understand a dynamic hyperinflation or acute pulmonary barotrauma. Acute barotrauma is caused by an abnormal air entrapment in the lung which can not be exhaled, which is a local lung crack formed. Particularly at risk are divers.

Formation

Anatomical changes, constrictions and adhesions, which allow air trapping can also be caused by various diseases. These include colds, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema. Also, smoking increases the risk of an Air trappings considerably. In chronic lung disease, the patient increases the respiratory rate, which shortens the expiration time, which is enough air can not be exhaled. Thus more air remains in the lungs and this is "dynamic" overinflated.

By narrowing or gluing is enclosed in an acute barotrauma gas in alveoli. A reduction in the ambient pressure results in a stretching of the alveoli, causing them to rupture. The result is a local lung crack through which blood flows into the air passages and air from entering the bloodstream. This can cause air embolisms in the whole body, and pulmonary edema, which may be fatal. Other circumstances that trigger air trapping, the reduction of the ambient pressure, such as occur during the ascent at the end of a dive, after starting in an airplane or at a cable car ride to great heights. Coughing or sneezing may cause a trapping air.

Diagnosis and treatment

In disease-related chronic Air trapping the corresponding underlying disease must be treated.

In acute barotrauma symptoms ranging from minor discomfort to severe pain in the chest, bloody foam when coughing and shortness of breath, choking up. An emergency treatment at a medical center is necessary. An Air trapping can be diagnosed and localized measurement of tidal volume or a CT scan.

The relief and treatment is the same as with any other lung tear. As a first aid measures are recommended:

  • The administration of pure oxygen to breathe
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation for respiratory or cardiac arrest.
  • Unconsciousness at the usual measures ( position and constant observation )
  • Fastest possible medical treatment
  • Cold protection

Diving

In order to avoid trapping air in diving, the following precautions are recommended:

  • Do not submerge, even with slight colds, in allergic or asthmatic reactions, and bronchitis.
  • No hasty breathing or breath holding during the dive.
  • Not underwater cough.
  • A regular fitness before diving.
  • In general, do not smoke!

The Air trapping is often considered in the medical literature as a typical clinical picture of smoking divers.

Sneeze
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