Pneumothorax (cont.)
Who is at risk for pneumothorax?
Spontaneous pneumothorax affects about 9,000 persons each year in the U.S. who have no history of lung disease. This type of pneumothorax is most common in men between the ages of 20 and 40, particularly in tall, thin men. Smoking has been shown to increase the risk for spontaneous pneumothorax.
What is tension pneumothorax?
In some instances, the lung continues to leak air into
the chest cavity and results in compression of the chest structures, including
vessels that return blood to the heart. This is referred to as a tension pneumothorax and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax?
Symptoms of a pneumothorax include chest pain that usually
has a sudden onset. The pain is sharp and may lead to feelings of tightness in the chest. Shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, rapid
breathing, cough, and fatigue are other
symptoms of pneumothorax. The skin may develop a bluish color (termed cyanosis) due to decreases in blood oxygen levels.
How is pneumothorax diagnosed?
Examination of the chest with a stethoscope reveals
decreased or absent breath sounds over the affected lung. The diagnosis is confirmed by chest x-ray.
How is a pneumothorax treated?
A small pneumothorax without underlying lung disease may resolve on its own in one to two weeks. A larger pneumothorax and a pneumothorax associated with underlying lung disease often require aspiration of the free
air and/or placement of a chest tube to evacuate the air. Possible complications
of chest tube insertion include pain, infection of the space between the lung and chest wall (the pleural space), hemorrhage (bleeding),
fluid accumulation in the lung, and low blood pressure (hypotension). In some
cases, the leak does not close on its own. This is called a bronchopleural
fistula, and may require chest surgery to repair the hole in the lung.
Next: What is the outcome (prognosis) of pneumothorax? »
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