Lungs & airwaysAcute mechanicalICD-10 J93
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Also called: Collapsed lung
Air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, so the lung partly or fully collapses. It causes sudden one-sided chest pain and breathlessness.
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Causes
- Primary spontaneous: rupture of small blebs in tall young adults
- Secondary: underlying lung disease (COPD, cystic fibrosis)
- Chest injury or medical procedures
Risk factors
- Tall, thin young men
- Smoking (including cannabis)
- Lung disease
- Previous pneumothorax
Symptoms
- Sudden sharp chest pain on one side
- Breathlessness
- Tension pneumothorax: severe distress, low blood pressure — an emergency
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Chest X-ray
- Ultrasound or CT
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Observation and oxygen for small leaks
Operations and procedures
- Needle aspiration
- Chest drain
- Ambulatory valve devices
- Surgery (VATS pleurodesis) for recurrence or persistent leak
- Immediate needle decompression for tension pneumothorax
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Stop smoking to reduce recurrence
- Avoid flying until fully resolved and cleared
- Avoid scuba diving unless surgically treated
Possible complications
- Tension pneumothorax
- Recurrence (about 30%)
Prevention
- Not smoking
Outlook
Excellent in healthy lungs; recurrence is common without surgery.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency care for sudden chest pain with breathlessness.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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