Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is air accumulation in the pleural space causing lung collapse, either spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic. Clinical: sudden chest pain, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds, hyperresonance; tension = life-threatening. Treatment: observation if small/asymptomatic; needle aspiration; chest-tube drainage if large/symptomatic/secondary/traumatic; needle decompression immediately for tension; chemical pleurodesis/surgical bullectomy for recurrent/secondary; treat underlying lung disease; smoking cessation; monitor for re-expansion edema/air leak.

Common Symptoms

Sudden chest pain; dyspnea; decreased breath sounds; by spontaneous/traumatic/iatrogenic/tension

Causes and Pathogenesis

Pleural air entry from bleb rupture/trauma/barotrauma causes lung collapse.

Treatment

Observation/aspiration/chest tube; needle decompression for tension; pleurodesis/surgery for recurrent

Preventive Measures

Smoking cessation; treat underlying lung disease; careful ventilation.

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.