What can cause tracheal deviation?

Tracheal deviation can occur due to several conditions that affect the structure and dynamics of the thoracic cavity. Pneumothorax, which involves the accumulation of air in the pleural space, can lead to the collapse of the lung on the affected side, causing the trachea to deviate away from the side of the pneumothorax. This is because the negative pressure that normally keeps the lung expanded is compromised, resulting in a shift of mediastinal structures, including the trachea.

Goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland, can also cause tracheal deviation, particularly when it is significant enough to exert pressure on the trachea. This can occur with both multinodular goiters and thyroid malignancies. The enlarged thyroid can push the trachea to the side opposite the growth.

In contrast, enlarged lymph nodes typically lead to localized effects rather than a clear tracheal deviation, as they may cause compression but don't usually exert force strong enough to shift the trachea significantly. Similarly, while thyroid swelling can cause tracheal displacement in certain cases, the reference to goiter specifically encompasses that condition together with other potential complications. Severe dehydration does not cause tracheal deviation, as it does not