Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Trapped lung
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Trapped lung refers to inability of lung to expand. It results as a complication of fibrinous or granulomatous pleuritis. Fibrinous visceral pleura traps the lung and restricts it from expanding. Expanded pleural space gets filled with fluid and results in chronic unilateral pleural effusion.[1]
Causes
Causes
Trapped lung can occur as a complication of the following:
- Therapeutic pneumothorax for tuberculosis
- Parapneumonic effusion
- Chest trauma
- Cardiac surgery
- Pleuritis[1]
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Doelken P, Sahn SA (2001). “Trapped lung”. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 22 (6): 631–6. doi:10.1055/s-2001-18799. PMID 16088707.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]