Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Can pneumothorax be prevented?

Due to the strong link between cigarette smoke and developing a pneumothorax, quitting smoking can reduce the risk of pneumothorax.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is a pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax is a collapsed lung, a condition that occurs when air leaks into the cavity - called the pleural space - between the lungs and chest wall.

What are the symptoms of pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax does not always cause any symptoms, but if they do occur, they may include shortness of breath, chest pain and a rapid heart rate.

What causes pneumothorax?

There are different types of pneumothoraces, each of which has a specific cause. Some have no known cause and occur in those without any apparent underlying condition. Others may be due to a penetrating or blunt chest trauma or medical procedure. Yet another group …

Who gets pneumothorax?

The different types of pneumothorax have specific causes and are more common in certain patient groups. Tall, thin adult males between the ages of 18-40 are more likely to develop a primary spontaneous pneumothorax, whereas secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is more …

How is pneumothorax diagnosed?

Diagnosis of pneumothorax is usually based on physical examination and a chest X-ray, except for tension pneumothorax, which is a medical emergency and is diagnosed without any imaging or other tests.

How is pneumothorax treated?

The treatment for pneumothorax can vary depending on its type and severity. Non-surgical treatment may include observation, needle aspiration and chest tube insertion. Surgical treatment may involve video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Will pneumothorax keep coming back?

There is a considerable risk of a pneumothorax recurring within five years of the first episode. The risk for recurrence varies depending on the type, the treatment used and what underlying lung conditions are present.

What increases the chances of developing pneumothorax?

Risk factors for pneumothorax include: being a tall, thin adult male aged between 18-40 years; being a smoker; having a family history of pneumothoraces, and; having an underlying lung condition.

How common is pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax occurs in 1-40 per 100,000 people. It is more common in men than in women.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot that has travelled from another part of the body blocks the blood supply to the lung. It commonly arises from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pulmonary embolism ultimately damages areas of the lung, causing reduced oxygen levels in the blood that can potentially lead to death. Therefore, it is a serious medical condition that needs prompt medical treatment.…
Diseases & conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers conditions affecting the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions, usually caused by smoking. Medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.…
Diseases & conditions

Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory condition where irritants trigger the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. During attacks, individuals may notice wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and/or shortness of breath. It is important to know how to correctly manage and prevent asthma attacks.…
Diseases & conditions

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is the inflammation of thin membranes lining the lungs and inner chest wall, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. As the lungs expand the membranes rub together, causing sharp, stabbing chest pains. Medications are often needed to help treat the condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a type of chest infection that commonly affects infants under 12 months of age. It occurs when the very small airways in the lungs, called the bronchioles, become inflamed and swell up. Most cases of bronchiolitis start to get better on their own within a few days. However, some cases can be severe and need to be treated in hospital.…
Diseases & conditions

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the airways (bronchi) become damaged and scarred by repeated lung infections. It can cause a build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 13 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1376 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Pulmonary embolism

×

Content goes in here.