Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax is air accumulation in the pleural space due to rupture of a subpleural bleb, in tall thin young males (primary) or underlying COPD/asthma (secondary). Clinical: sudden unilateral chest pain, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds, hyperresonance. Treatment: observation if small/asymptomatic; needle aspiration; chest-tube drainage if large/symptomatic/secondary; chemical pleurodesis/surgical bullectomy for recurrent/secondary; treat underlying lung disease; smoking cessation; monitor for tension pneumothorax.

Common Symptoms

Sudden unilateral chest pain; dyspnea; decreased breath sounds; hyperresonance; by primary/secondary

Causes and Pathogenesis

Ruptured subpleural bleb causes air leak and lung collapse.

Treatment

Observation/aspiration/chest tube; pleurodesis/surgery for recurrent/secondary; treat cause

Preventive Measures

Smoking cessation; treat underlying lung disease.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Thoracic-surgery-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.