Pneumothorax

What is pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space, either from the outside through an injury to the chest wall (traumatic pneumothorax) or from within the lung itself (spontaneous pneumothorax). This air buildup creates pressure on the lung, causing it to collapse partially or completely. Pneumothorax can range in severity from mild, with minimal symptoms, to severe, requiring immediate medical attention.

What causes pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax can have various causes, including:

Trauma: Blunt or penetrating chest injuries, such as those sustained in car accidents or from gunshot wounds, can puncture the lung and allow air to escape into the pleural space.
Spontaneous: Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without any apparent cause and is often associated with underlying lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or cystic fibrosis. It can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals, particularly young, tall, thin males, due to the rupture of small air-filled sacs (blebs) on the lung surface.
Medical procedures: Certain medical procedures, such as lung biopsies, central line insertions, or mechanical ventilation, can increase the risk of pneumothorax.
Lung disease: Lung diseases that weaken lung tissue or cause inflammation, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, may predispose individuals to pneumothorax.

What are the symptoms of pneumothorax?

Symptoms of pneumothorax can vary depending on the size and severity of the condition, but common symptoms include:

Sudden onset of chest pain, often sharp or stabbing in nature
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) due to decreased oxygenation
Decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side of the chest
Anxiety or restlessness

How to treat pneumothorax?

Treatment of pneumothorax depends on factors such as the size of the pneumothorax, the presence of symptoms, and the underlying cause.

Treatment options may include:

Observation: Small, asymptomatic pneumothoraces may resolve on their own without intervention and can be monitored with periodic chest X-rays.
Chest tube insertion: For larger pneumothoraces or those causing significant symptoms, a chest tube may be inserted into the pleural space to drain air and allow the lung to re-expand.
Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen may be provided to improve oxygenation and alleviate symptoms.
Surgery: In cases of recurrent pneumothorax or certain underlying lung conditions, surgical intervention may be necessary to seal air leaks and prevent recurrence.

Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, preferably a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon, who can evaluate the specific circumstances of the individual case and recommend the most appropriate management approach.

For more information, contact Dr Ong. Book an appointment today!