Chest thrust Health Dictionary

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Chest Thrust: From 1 Different Sources

A first aid technique to unblock the airway in cases of choking. when abdominal thrusts would be dangerous (such as in infants) or impossible (such as in pregnant women). In a chest thrust, the first-aider places a fist in the other hand, and, pressing against the victim’s lower breastbone, thrusts the chest wall inwards up to 5 times. The pressure simulates the coughing reflex and may expel the obstruction.

chest X-ray One of the most frequently performed medical tests, usually carried out to examine the heart or lungs to confirm diagnoses of heart disorders and lung diseases. (See also X-rays.)

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Chest

The chest, or THORAX, is the upper part of the trunk. It is enclosed by the breastbone (sternum) and the 12 ribs which join the sternum by way of cartilages and are attached to the spine behind. At the top of the thorax, the opening in between the ?rst ribs admits the windpipe (TRACHEA), the gullet (OESOPHAGUS) and the large blood vessels. The bottom of the thorax is separated from the abdomen below by the muscular DIAPHRAGM which is the main muscle of breathing. Other muscles of respiration, the intercostal muscles, lie in between the ribs. Overlying the ribs are layers of muscle and soft tissue including the breast tissue.

Contents The trachea divides into right and left main bronchi which go to the two LUNGS. The left lung is slightly smaller than the right. The right has three lobes (upper, middle and lower) and the left lung has two lobes (upper and lower). Each lung is covered by two thin membranes lubricated by a thin layer of ?uid. These are the pleura; similar structures cover the heart (pericardium). The heart lies in the middle, displaced slightly to the left. The oesophagus passes right through the chest to enter the stomach just below the diaphragm. Various nerves, blood vessels and lymph channels run through the thorax. The thoracic duct is the main lymphatic drainage channel emptying into a vein on the left side of the root of the neck. (For diseases affecting the chest and its contents, see HEART, DISEASES OF; LUNGS, DISEASES OF; CHEST, DEFORMITIES OF.)... chest

Funnel Chest

See CHEST DEFORMITIES.... funnel chest

Flail Chest

A type of chest injury that usually results from a traffic accident or from violence. In flail chest, several adjacent ribs are broken in more than one place, producing a piece of chest wall that moves in the opposite way to normal as the victim breathes. The injury may lead to respiratory failure and shock.

Emergency treatment consists of turning the person on to the affected side or supporting the flail segment by firm strapping.

In severe cases, artificial ventilation is needed until the chest wall is stable.... flail chest

Chest, Deformities Of

The healthy chest is gently rounded all over, its contour being more rounded in women by the breast tissue. In cross-section it is oval-shaped with a longer dimension from side to side than from back to front.

Barrel chest is found in long-standing ASTHMA or chronic BRONCHITIS and EMPHYSEMA, when the lungs are chronically enlarged. The anterio-posterior dimension of the chest is increased and the ribs are near horizontal. In this position they can produce little further expansion of the chest, and breathing often relies on accessory muscles in the neck lifting up the whole thoracic cage on inspiration.

Pigeon chest is one in which the cross-section of the chest becomes triangular with the sternum forming a sort of keel in front. It may be related to breathing problems in early life.

Rickety chest is uncommon now and is caused by RICKETS in early life. There is a hollow down each side caused by the pull of muscles on the softer ribs in childhood. The line of knobs produced on each side where the ribs join their costal cartilages is known as the rickety rosary.

Pectus excavatum, or funnel chest, is quite a common abnormality where the central tendon of the diaphragm seems to be too short so that the lower part of the sternum is displaced inwards and the lower ribs are prominent. When severe, it may displace the heart further to the left side.

Local abnormalities in the shape of the chest occur when there is a deformity in the spine such as scoliosis which alters the angles of the ribs. The chest wall may be locally ?attened when the underlying lung is reduced in size locally over a prolonged period. (See SPINE AND SPINAL CORD, DISEASES AND INJURIES OF.) This may be seen over a scarred area of lung such as that observed in pulmonary TUBERCULOSIS.... chest, deformities of

Chest Injuries

Immediate first aid treatment: Liquid extracts: Arnica, Marigold (calendula) and St John’s Wort (hypericum): 10 drops each in cup water taken in wineglassful doses, and used externally. Moderate injuries will heal rapidly. If the ribs penetrate the lung complications may follow requiring hospitalisation. Comfrey root taken internally and applied as a poultice externally facilitates union of fractured bone and arrests bleeding from the lungs.

Internal use of Arnica and Comfrey root would appear to be justified in serious chest injuries. ... chest injuries

Chest Rub

One part volatile oil (Cajeput, Lemon, Hyssop, Niaouli, Rosemary, Eucalyptus or Sandalwood) in ten parts ointment base or peanut oil. Vick Vapour Rub. Mustard oil. See: OINTMENT BASE. ... chest rub

Cold – On The Chest

Simple and uncomplicated. Sometimes a cold in the head will travel down to the chest with cough and difficult breathing. Tracheitis, bronchitis.

Alternatives. Teas. Boneset, Yarrow, Angelica. White Horehound, Hyssop.

Irish Moss. 1 teaspoon to 2 cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Do not strain but eat with a spoon, sweetened with honey.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia. Iceland Moss.

Foot-bath. Immerse feet in hot infusion of Chamomile or Mustard to divert blood to lower extremities. Supplementation: Vitamin C, 2-3 grams daily. ... cold – on the chest

Fisherman’s Friend Throat And Chest Lozenges

Contain Eucalyptus oil 0.153 per cent, Cubeb oil 0.305 per cent, Tincture Capsicum 0.02 per cent, Liquorice extract 7.317 per cent, Menthol 0.9 per cent. Specially formulated for Fleetwood Deep Sea fishermen working in Icelandic frost and fog conditions to relieve bronchial congestion, and ease breathing. (Lofthouse) ... fisherman’s friend throat and chest lozenges

Abdominal Thrust

A first-aid treatment for choking, in which sharp upward pressure is applied to the upper abdomen to dislodge a foreign body obstructing the airway. The technique is also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre.... abdominal thrust

Chest Compression

Also called cardiac compression massage (see cardiopulmonary resuscitation).... chest compression

Sucking Chest Wound

An open wound in the chest wall through which air passes, causing the lung on that side to collapse.

Severe breathlessness and a life-threatening lack of oxygen result.... sucking chest wound

First Aid And Medicine Chest

Various aspects of first aid are described under the following: ABRASIONS, BLEEDING, CUTS, SHOCK, EYES, FAINTING, FRACTURES, INJURIES, POISONING, WOUNDS, WITCH HAZEL.

Avoid overstocking; some herbs lose their potency on the shelf in time, especially if exposed. Do not keep on a high shelf out of the way. Experts suggest a large box with a lid to protect its contents, kept in a cool dry place away from foods and other household items. Store mixtures containing Camphor separately elsewhere. Camphor is well-known as a strong antidote to medicinal substances. Keep all home-made ointments in a refrigerator. However harmless, keep all remedies out of reach of children. Be sure that all tablet containers have child-resistant tops.

Keep a separate box, with duplicates, permanently in the car. Check periodically. Replace all tablets when crumbled, medicines with changed colour or consistency. Always carry a large plastic bottle of water in the car for cleansing dirty wounds and to form a vehicle to Witch Hazel and other remedies. Label all containers clearly.

Health care items: Adhesive bandages of all sizes, sterile gauze, absorbant cotton wool, adhesive tape, elastic bandage, stitch scissors, forceps (boiled before use), clinical thermometer, assorted safety pins, eye-bath for use as a douche for eye troubles, medicine glass for correct dosage.

Herbal and other items: Comfrey or Chickweed ointment (or cream) for sprains and bruises. Marshmallow and Slippery Elm (drawing) ointment for boils, abscesses, etc. Calendula (Marigold) ointment or lotion for bleeding wounds where the skin is broken. An alternative is Calendula tincture (30 drops) to cupful of boiled water allowed to cool; use externally, as a mouth rinse after dental extractions, and sipped for shock. Arnica tincture: for bathing bruises and swellings where the skin is unbroken (30 drops in a cup of boiled water allowed to cool). Honey for burns and scalds. Lobelia tablets for irritating cough and respiratory distress. Powdered Ginger for adding to hot water for indigestion, vomiting, etc. Tincture Myrrh, 5-10 drops in a glass of water for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and externally, for cleansing infected or dirty wounds. Tincture Capsicum (3-10 drops) in a cup of tea for shock, or in eggcup Olive oil for use as a liniment for pains of rheumatism. Cider vinegar (or bicarbonate of Soda) for insect bites. Oil Citronella, insect repellent. Vitamin E capsules for burns; pierce capsule and wipe contents over burnt area. Friar’s balsam to inhale for congestion of nose and throat. Oil of Cloves for toothache. Olbas oil for general purposes. Castor oil to assist removal of foreign bodies from the eye. Slippery Elm powder as a gruel for looseness of bowels. Potter’s Composition Essence for weakness or collapse. Antispasmodic drops for pain.

Distilled extract of Witch Hazel deserves special mention for bleeding wounds, sunburn, animal bites, stings, or swabbed over the forehead to freshen and revive during an exhausting journey. See: WITCH HAZEL.

Stings of nettles or other plants are usually rendered painless by a dock leaf. Oils of Tea Tree, Jojoba and Evening Primrose are also excellent for first aid to allay infection. For punctured wounds, as a shoemaker piercing his thumb with an awl or injury from brass tacks, or for shooting pains radiating from the seat of injury, tincture or oil of St John’s Wort (Hypericum) is the remedy. ... first aid and medicine chest

Chest Pain

Pain in the chest, which is often without serious cause, but which may be a symptom of an underlying disorder requiring urgent treatment. The pain may be in the chest wall or in an organ within the chest. The most common causes of pain in the chest wall are a strained muscle or an injury, such as a broken rib. A sharp pain that travels to the front of the chest may be due to pressure on a nerve root attached to the spinal cord as a result of, for example, osteoarthritis of the vertebrae. Pain in the side of the chest may be due to pleurodynia. The viral infection herpes zoster (shingles) may cause severe pain along the course of a nerve in the chest

wall. In Tietze’s syndrome, inflammation at the junctions of the rib cartilages causes pain on the front of the chest wall.

Pain within the chest may be caused by pleurisy, as a result of bronchitis, pneumonia, or, rarely, pulmonary embolism. Cancerous tumours of the lung (see lung cancer; mesothelioma) may cause pain as they grow and press on the pleura and ribs. Acid reflux may lead to heartburn, a burning pain behind the sternum. The common heart disorder angina pectoris causes pain in the centre of the chest that may spread outwards to the throat, jaw, or arms. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) and acute pericarditis both also produce severe pain in the centre of the chest. Mitral valve prolapse may cause sharp chest pain, usually on the left side. Chest pain may also be a result of anxiety and emotional stress (see hyperventilation; panic attack).... chest pain

Abdominal Thrusts

(Heimlich manoeuvre) a manoeuvre for the treatment of choking in which the patient is held firmly around the midriff just under the ribcage. The hands of the rescuer are held as a fist and short sharp thrusts into the patient’s upper abdomen are made in order to dislodge the obstructing article from the airway. This manoeuvre should not be performed on children under the age of one year.... abdominal thrusts

Jaw Thrust

a manoeuvre for opening the airway of an unconscious patient. The flats of the hands are placed on the cheeks with the fingers hooked under the angles of the jaw so that the jaw can be pulled upwards to separate the tongue from the back of the pharynx. The tongue often falls onto the back of the pharynx in unconsciousness, causing obstruction to the airway. This method is particularly useful when spinal injury is suspected and movement of the neck is undesirable. This is an alternative to the *head tilt, chin lift manoeuvre.... jaw thrust

Pigeon Chest

forward protrusion of the breastbone resulting in deformity of the chest. The condition is painless and harmless. Medical name: pectus carinatum.... pigeon chest

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