Closed Pneumothorax

Closed pneumothorax is air in the pleural space without ongoing bronchopleural communication, presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds. Treatment: observation if small/asymptomatic; needle aspiration; chest-tube drainage if large/symptomatic/secondary; treat underlying lung disease; monitor for re-expansion pulmonary edema; smoking cessation; follow-up imaging.

Common Symptoms

Chest pain; dyspnea; decreased breath sounds; non-tension

Causes and Pathogenesis

Small air leak closes spontaneously; partial lung collapse.

Treatment

Observation/aspiration/chest tube; treat cause; monitor re-expansion

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.