A tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the chest cavity and:

A tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space and becomes trapped, creating a buildup of pressure that cannot escape. This trapped air compresses the lung on the affected side, leading to reduced lung capacity and impaired gas exchange. As the pressure continues to increase, it can also push the mediastinum — which contains the heart and other vital structures — toward the opposite side of the chest, potentially compromising cardiovascular function.

In a tension pneumothorax, the inability of the air to escape is critical, as it leads to an escalating situation where respiratory distress and cardiovascular implications worsen rapidly. The condition is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention, typically through needle decompression followed by chest tube placement to relieve the pressure. Understanding this mechanism is vital for effective management of this emergency condition in clinical practice.