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Additional names
This group contains additional names: - Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax - Postoperative Air Leak - Spontaneous Tension Pneumothorax - Iatrogenic Pneumothorax - Postprocedural pneumothorax - Chronic Pneumothorax - Spontaneous Pneumothorax - Primary Pneumothorax
General
Pneumothorax is a condition of air accumulation between the lung tissue and the chest wall, within a cavity called the pleural space. There are several types of pneumothorax. *Iatrogenic or traumatic pneumothorax* is the result of damage to the integrity of the pleura (the tissue surrounding the lung) due to blunt or penetrating chest injury or during a medical procedure. *Spontaneous pneumothorax*, on the other hand, occurs without such external provocation. *Primary* spontaneous pneumothorax is considered one that presents in the absence of an external factor, while *secondary* spontaneous pneumothorax is a complication of an underlying lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung malignancy). Pneumothorax can be a life-threatening condition that needs prompt attention.
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Signs & symptoms
All types of pneumothorax cause similar symptoms, resulting from the air that accumulates around the lung pressing on it and causing its partial collapse. The main symptoms of a pneumothorax are sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. In cases of large pneumothorax, there may be a sudden drop in blood pressure and a rapid pulse (condition called tension pneumothorax). It is a dangerous condition that results from impaired heart and lung function resulting from the pneumothorax.
Diagnosis
Pneumothorax is diagnosed according to symptoms, physical examination and a chest x-ray.
Treatment
The goal of pneumothorax treatment is to allow the lung to re-expand. This goal is achieved by draining the air trapped in the pleural space. Drainage is done using a needle or a chest tube. Sometimes surgery may be necessary to close the air leak. Cases of small pneumothorax causing only mild symptoms can be managed conservatively without draining the trapped air. A follow-up chest x-ray will be performed to make sure the trapped air was absorbed.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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