What medical condition occurs when air from the chest cavity is prevented from escaping, often due to closed chest injuries?

Tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased pressure within the chest cavity. This accumulation of air can compress the lung and shift mediastinal structures, such as the heart and major blood vessels, to the opposite side. It typically results from trauma, such as closed chest injuries, where the injury creates a one-way valve effect allowing air to enter but preventing it from leaving. This condition can lead to respiratory distress, decreased cardiac output, and ultimately, severe hemodynamic instability if not addressed promptly. Recognizing and treating tension pneumothorax is critical in emergency situations, as it can quickly become life-threatening.