Hemothorax

Definition: A hemothorax is when there is blood inside
of the thorax, the lung cavity.  Most cases of hemothorax
are associated with trauma or blunt trauma to the chest.

A hemothorax can be associated with a pneumothorax, but
it is not required.

Therapy:  It is essential to determine it the blood in the
thoracic cavity is coming from a ruptured vessel that may
require surgery.  Thus, physicians will try to determine
the cause of the hemothorax as soon as possible.

In some cases, the bleeding is only temporary and it
will clot and stop on its own.  In these cases, the
physician will observe the patient through time.

If there is ever any problem with breathing, this needs
to be addressed immediately.