PNEUMOTHORAX

There is no known prevention, other than to decrease risk by stopping smoking. Up to 50% of patients with pneumothorax experience recurrence, but there are no long-term complications following successful therapy.

What is Pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax is a collection of air or gas in the pleural space, which surrounds the lungs.

There are several types of pneumothorax, which are classified by cause:

  • Spontaneous pneumothorax is the occurrence of pneumothorax without a clear cause.
  • Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when there is no known underlying lung disease. It is thought to be caused by the rupture of a small, air-filled sac in the lung called a bleb or a bulla.
  • Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is a complication of an underlying pulmonary (lung) disease, such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough.
  • Traumatic pneumothorax results from a traumatic injury to the chest. The trauma may be penetrating (stab wound, gunshot) or blunt (blow from a motor vehicle accident). Pneumothorax may complicate certain medical procedures.
  • Tension pneumothorax is caused when excessive pressure builds up around the lung, forcing it to collapse. The excessive pressure can also prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to shock.

What are Some of the Symptoms of Pneumothorax?

  • sudden sharp chest pain, especially made worse by a deep breath or a cough
  • shortness of breath
  • chest tightness
  • easy fatigue
  • rapid heart rate
  • bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

Note: Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.

Call your health care provider if symptoms of pneumothorax develop, especially if you have previously experienced this condition.

How is Pneumothorax Diagnosed?

Stethoscope examination of the chest reveals decreased breath sounds on the affected side.

Tests include:

  • chest X-ray to determine presence of air outside the lung
  • arterial blood gases

What is the Treatment for Pneumothorax?

The objective of treatment is to remove the air from the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand. Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own.

The placement of a chest tube (chest tube insertion) between the ribs into the pleural space allows the evacuation of air from the pleural space. With the chest tube left in place, the lung may take several days to re-expand. Hospitalization is required for proper care of the chest tube.

Surgery may be needed to prevent recurrent episodes.

» top