PNEUMOTHORAX

 Basic information

description

A pneumothorax (collapsed lung) occurs when there is air between the two layers of the pleura. The pleura are thin membranes that cover the lung and line the chest wall. Pneumothorax types include:

• Spontaneous—it occurs without a cause. It is common in young men age 20 to 40.
• Secondary spontaneous—complication of lung disease.
• Traumatic—caused by an injury to the chest.
• Tension—excessive pressure builds up around lung. Air gets in, but cannot get out. It can be life-threatening.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• The symptoms vary according to the degree of lung collapse and extent of other lung disease. Symptoms may be less acute if the pneumothorax develops slowly.
• Sharp chest pain. Pain may extend to a shoulder or across the chest or abdomen.
• Shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
• Anxiety.
• Dry, hacking cough (sometimes).
• Bluish nails.
• Coughing bloody sputum (sometimes).
• Rapid pulse.
• Fainting and shock (in tension pneumothorax).

causes

When air gets into the pleural space, it increases the pressure against the lung. This causes a partial or a complete collapse of the lung. Air may get into the pleural space as a result of:

• A rupture of the small air or fluid sacs in the lungs.
• Air enters the chest from the outside, such as with a chest wound.
• Air results from a medical procedure on chest cavity.
• Air results from damaged lungs due to chronic lung disease, other diseases, or injury.

risk increases with

• Body build that is tall and slender.
• Males ages 20 to 40.
• Asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, empyema, lung abscess, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or other lung disease.
• A wound to the chest area, which permits outside air to rush into the pleural space.
• Removing fluid from the lung (thoracentesis).
• Smoking.
• Personal or family history of pneumothorax.
• Marfan syndrome.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Get medical care for chronic lung disorders. Don't smoke.

expected outcomes

Most patients recover fully in 2 to 4 weeks.

possible complications

• Critical illness and death with tension pneumothorax.
• Repeated pneumothorax.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and activities. X-rays of the chest help to confirm the diagnosis, determine the size of the pneumothorax, and track progress of treatment.
• Treatment depends on the size of the pneumothorax and the condition of the lungs.
• No treatment may be needed in some cases. Small amounts of air are reabsorbed naturally and the lung will re-expand on its own.
• Hospital care may be needed for treatment
  • A small needle may be inserted into the chest cavity to relieve excess pressure.
  • A tube may be placed in the chest and attached to a special vacuum bottle. This allows the air to be slowly removed and the lung to re-expand.
  • Surgery may be needed if the pneumothorax has recurred or if the lung does not re-expand after 5 days.
• Don't smoke; try not to cough; avoid loud talking, laughing, or singing.
• Rest in a sitting position. It may be more comfortable.

medications

You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain. Stronger pain relievers may be prescribed if needed.

activity

Rest often. Allow two or more weeks for recovery.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has pneumothorax symptoms.
• Symptoms of an infection develop, such as a fever.
• Symptoms of pneumothorax recur after treatment.

Special Notes: