Hemothorax Overview
What is a hemothorax?
A person with a hemothorax has a collection of blood in the space between the inside the chest wall, and the outside of the lung. A hemothorax is caused by bleeding from the lung or the inside of the chest wall. An injury to the chest is the most common cause for hemothorax. 
What are the symptoms of a hemothorax?
Symptoms of hemothorax include difficulty breathing, chest pain, faintness, fainting, weakness, and fatigue.
How does the doctor treat a hemothorax?
Treatment for hemothorax may include intravenous fluids, cardiac monitoring, and diuretics. Additional treatment for hemothorax may include thoracentesis or chest tube placement, which involves draining blood from the chest with a needle or tube. 
Continue to Hemothorax Symptoms
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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