In the case of tension pneumothorax, which direction does the trachea deviate?

In the case of tension pneumothorax, the trachea typically deviates to the unaffected side. This occurs because the increased airflow and pressure in the pleural space of the affected lung pushes the mediastinum—including the trachea—away from the side where the tension pneumothorax is present. As a result, the trachea can be displaced towards the midline and ultimately toward the unaffected lung.

The understanding of this deviation is crucial in emergency situations since recognizing the shift can help healthcare providers identify a tension pneumothorax and intervene appropriately. The shift indicates that there is significant pressure build-up in the pleural cavity, which can compromise respiratory function and circulatory stability.

By knowing this pathophysiology, clinicians can prioritize interventions like needle decompression and chest tube placement to relieve the pressure and restore normal thoracic mechanics.