Pneumothorax
(Collapsed Lung)
Medical Revising Authors and Editor:
George Schiffman, MD, and
Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
What is a pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax is a collection of free air in the chest
outside the lung that causes the lung to collapse.
What are the types of pneumothorax?
A spontaneous pneumothorax, also referred to as a primary
pneumothorax, occurs in the absence of a traumatic injury to the chest or a
known lung disease. A secondary (also termed complicated) pneumothorax occurs as
a result of an underlying condition.
What causes a pneumothorax?
Spontaneous pneumothorax is caused by a rupture of a cyst or a small sac (bleb) on the surface of
the lung. Pneumothorax may also occur following an injury to the chest wall such
as a fractured rib, any penetrating injury (gun shot or stabbing), surgical
invasion of the chest, or may be deliberately induced in order to collapse the
lung. A pneumothorax can also develop as a result of underlying lung diseases,
including cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung
cancer, asthma, and infections of the lungs.
Next: Who is at risk for pneumothorax? »
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