Image shows early occurrence of<unk> .<unk>  is a clinical sign that results from unequal intrathoracic pressure within the chest cavity. It is most commonly associated with traumatic pneumothorax, but can be caused by a number of both acute and chronic health issues, such as pneumonectomy, atelectasis, pleural effusion, fibrothorax (pleural fibrosis), or some cancers (tumors within the bronchi, lung, or pleural cavity) and certain lymphomas associated with the mediastinal lymph nodes. In most adults and children, the<unk> can be seen and felt directly in the middle of the anterior (front side) neck behind the jugular notch of the manubrium and superior to this point as it extends towards the larynx. However, when<unk>  is present, the<unk> will be displaced in the direction of less pressure. Meaning, that if one side of the chest cavity has an increase in pressure (such as in the case of a pneumothorax) the<unk> will shift towards the opposing side. The<unk> is the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs. It is also commonly referred to as the windpipe. The<unk> is one of the most important parts of the respiratory system and damage to the<unk> can indicate a life-threatening emergency. The normal position of the<unk> is straight up and down, running along the center of the front side of the throat. Certain conditions can cause the<unk> to shift to one side or the other. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention to discover the cause of the shift and begin an appropriate course of treatment. There are several causes for a<unk> , and the condition often presents along with difficulty breathing, coughing and abnormal breath sounds. The most common cause of<unk>  is a pneumothorax, which is a collection of air inside the chest, between the chest cavity and the lung. A pneumothorax can be spontaneous, caused by existing lung disease, or by trauma. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the pneumothorax. Smaller pockets of air tend to dissipate on their own, while larger areas can cause complications and are usually vented by a needle in the chest. As soon as the pneumothorax is treated, the<unk>  also will resolve itself. A congenital lack of one lung, surgical removal of a lung or pleural fibrosis, which is an inflammation of the lung membranes caused by an infection. As a result of the wide range of causes of<unk> , it is essential to seek medical attention so that an accurate diagnosis can be obtained. +Common Causes of<unk>  Towards side (ipsilateral) of Lung Lesion Away from side (contralateral) of Lung Lesion Other Causes (Mediastinal Masses) Upper lobe or lung collapse Tension pneumothorax Retrosternal goitre Upper lobe fibrosis Massive pleural effusion Lung cancer Pneumonectomy Lymphoma
Tracheal deviation
Laryngotracheal stenosis
Tracheoinnominate fistula
Vocal cord paresis
Glossoptosis
Bronchophony
Subcutaneous emphysema
Tracheobronchomegaly