What happens when pressure in the chest cavity becomes greater than atmospheric pressure?

1 Answer
Nov 16, 2017

The person is not able to breathe. The pressure difference is what helps one breathe.

Explanation:

This situation comes if you are hit in the thoracic vertebrae. That constricts the ribs and the pressure increases, and you struggle for breath. It also occurs if the pleural membrane is inflamed as in pneumonia.