PNEUMOTHORAX

Pneumothorax is another name for a collapsed lung. This occurs when air collects in the space (pleural space) between the lung and the chest wall. The air causes part or all of the lungs to collapse. Pneumothorax may be a potentially life-threatening condition.

There are two types of pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when there is no penetrating wound. Spontaneous pneumothorax may be caused by physical activities, such as scuba diving, high-altitude flying, vigorous stretching, vigorous inhaling when abusing drugs, or from the rupture of an air sac in the lung, resulting from some lung diseases, such as asthma. Pneumothorax may also be due to trauma that causes a penetrating injury to the chest. Air leaks into the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse.

The signs of pneumothorax are sudden onset of shortness of breath. The person may experience sharp chest pain or an abnormal chest wall movement. If it becomes more severe, the person may have a weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, bulging neck veins, and a very hard time breathing. An infant may have rapid, grunting breathing and bluish color. A minor rupture in the lung that releases only a small amount of air into the pleural space may cause no symptoms at all.

Risk factors for pneumothorax include:

chest injury
chronic lung disease (such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema)
smoking
vigorous exercise or stretching
scuba diving
high altitude flying or
cancer

A chest x-ray is done to confirm the diagnosis of a pneumothorax. In mild cases with less than 20 percent collapse, treatment may be limited to bed rest, oxygen therapy, and monitoring blood pressure and heart rate. The person is usually most comfortable sitting upright. A healthcare provider may insert a needle through the chest to drain the trapped air. In more severe cases, a tube may have to be placed into the chest to provide suction until the lung expands.

Any sudden breathing problems should be reported to a healthcare provider right away.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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