Health Encyclopedia

Pneumothorax

Definition

Pneumothorax is the collection of air or gas in the space around the lungs.

Alternative Names

Air around the lung; Air outside the lung

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pneumothorax may result from chest trauma, excess pressure on the lungs, or a lung disease such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, or whooping cough. In some cases, the cause is unclear.

Symptoms

Sudden sharp chest pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Easy fatigue
Rapid heart rate
Bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

Note: Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

Nasal flaring
Anxiety, stress, and tension
Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Signs and tests

There are decreased or no breath sounds on the affected side when heard through a stethoscope.

Tests include:

Chest x-ray to tell whether there is air outside the lung
Arterial blood gases

Treatment

Small pneumothoraces may go away on their own.

For larger pneumothoraces, the air must be removed from around the lung. A chest tube placed between the ribs into the space around the lungs helps drain the air and allows the lung to re-expand. The chest tube can be left in place for several days. The person must stay in the hospital while the chest tube is in place.

Some people need extra oxygen to help air around the lung be reabsorbed more quickly. Surgery may be needed to prevent future episodes.

Expectations (prognosis)

Up to 50% of patients who have a pneumothorax will have another, but there are no long-term complications after successful treatment.

Complications

Recurrent pneumothorax
Tension pneumothorax with shock

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pneumothorax, especially if you have had this condition before.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent pneumothorax, but you can decrease your risk by not smoking.

References

Baumann MH, Strange C, Heffner JE, Light R, Kirby TJ, Klein J, et al. Management of spontaneous pneumothorax. Chest. February 2001;199:590-602.

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Review Date:8/10/2007
Reviewed By:Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.