Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

A pneumothorax (noo-mo-THOR-acks) is a collapsed lung due to air accumulating inside the chest cavity. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall which pushes on the outside of the lung and makes it collapse. In most cases, only a portion of the lung collapses.

A pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures involving the lungs or due to underlying lung disease. Sometimes, pneumothorax occurs for no obvious reason. When the lung collapses, it causes sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.

A small, uncomplicated pneumothorax may quickly heal on its own. When the pneumothorax is larger, doctors usually insert a tube or needle between ribs to remove the excess air.


Symptoms of Pneumothorax

Chest pain- Sudden, sharp chest pain on the same side as the affected lung. Shortness of breath- This may be mild or severe, depending...Read More

Causes of Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax can be caused by a chest injury, underlying lung disease, or ruptured air blisters (blebs). Pneumothorax also can...Read More

Risk factors for pneumothorax

Anyone who has had one pneumothorax is at increased risk of another, usually within one to two years of the first episode...Read More

Complications from pneumothorax

Persistent air leak Air may sometimes continue to leak if the opening in the lung wont close. Surgery may eventually.

Treatments and drugs

The purpose of treating a pneumothorax is to relieve the pressure on the lung, by removing the air and hence allowing.


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