Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, occurs when air builds up in the pleural space, which is the area between the lung and the chest wall which is normally empty. This condition can cause the lung to partially or completely collapse, depending on the amount of air trapped. Pneumothorax may develop due to a chest injury, lung disease, or spontaneously in healthy individuals.

Common symptoms include a sudden, sharp pain on one side of the chest that worsens with breathing, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, and occasionally a dry cough. Symptom severity can range from mild to severe, with the potential for life-threatening respiratory impairment.

Diagnosing pneumothorax generally involves a physical examination, where diminished breath sounds and hyperresonant percussion are noted on the affected side.

Imaging is the primary diagnostic tool, with chest X-rays commonly used to confirm the condition.

In more complex cases and prior to surgery, a CT scan may be performed for detailed imaging.

Treatment depends on the pneumothorax’s size and severity.

For small, asymptomatic cases, a period of observation may be recommended to allow the lung to re-expand naturally.

Oxygen therapy can assist in reabsorbing the air in the pleural space. For larger cases, needle aspiration or chest tube insertion might be necessary to remove the air.

Surgical options, usually video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), may be advised for recurrent or complex pneumothoraces. Pleurodesis, a procedure to adhere the lung to the chest wall, may help prevent recurrence. Recovery generally takes two to four weeks.

The most severe type, tension pneumothorax, is a critical emergency where trapped air puts pressure on the heart and lungs. This condition requires immediate intervention to relieve the pressure and restore normal function.