Is when an excess amount of air invades the pleuratic space

Can be spontaneous or traumatic

Can cause a collapse of the lungs

Can be an emergent condition and medical attention may be required immediately.

Spontaneous can be divided into Primary and Secondary

Types:
·         Primary is when it occurs with no underlying lung condition
·         Secondary is the result of an underlying lung condition
·         Traumatic is a result of trauma to lung tissue or a blunt trauma into lung
·         Iatrogenic is a result of procedures near the lungs such as a biopsy [or other]
resulting in a collapse
·         Tension is a medical emergency

Primary pneumothorax is typically a tall, thin young men between the ages of 10 and 30.

Is also seen in those who have Marfan syndrome.

Family history and smoking may be related.

Secondary causes
·    Asthma
·    Emphysema
·    Cystic Fibrosis
·    Pneumonia
·    Tuberculosis
·    Cancer
·    Sarcoidosis

Symptoms
   -    Difficulty breathing
   -    Pain with breathing
   -    Shortness of breath
   -    Chest pain
   -    Cough
   -    Hypoxia  -  loss of oxygen
   -    A penetrating chest wound
   -    Difficulty to talk
   -    Cyanosis  [turning blue]

Treatment

Depends on the severity of the pneumothorax

.    Some small pneumothorax require no treatment
·   Oxygen is essential
·   Chest tube placement
.    Pleurodesis  -  chemical placement that causes irritation
.    Talc may be used
·   Cessation of smoking
·   Thoracoscopy
·   Open Thoracotomy

1/3 of those having pneumothorax will have a reoccurring episode