You are here
Pulmonary Barotrauma S020
Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 15 of 2015 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP | 16 of 2015 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 993.31
- ICD-10-AM Codes: T70.31
Brief description
This is an acute lung injury due to barometric pressure change. It is generally a serious condition and is potentially fatal. It is associated most commonly with scuba diving and explosive blasts, and also as a complication of mechanical lung ventilation. It may result in pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema or arterial gas embolism.
Confirming the diagnosis
Diagnosis is made from the history and physical findings, together with imaging (CT or MRI scan).
The relevant medical specialist is a respiratory physician or emergency physician.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Burst lung
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Decompression sickness*
- Dysbaric osteonecrosis* - osteonecrosis SOP
- Fat embolism#
- Emphysema*
- otitic barotrauma*
- sinus barotrauma*
* another SOP applies
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Onset will be acute and immediately follow an event such as a scuba dive, an explosion, or being mechanically ventilated. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, coughing blood and chest pain.
Clinical worsening
This is an acute injury. The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. The condition requires urgent medical attention and may be fatal.