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Pneumothorax is a condition of the Lungs when there is an excess amount of air in the pleural space. It can be divided into two primary types: Spontaneous (without trauma) or Traumatic.

Pneumothorax is a synonym for a condition more commonly known as a Collapsed Lung.

It can be an emergent condition, and medical attention may be required immediately. Often, an X-ray or CT scan is required for Diagnosis. “Spontaneous” can be divided into Primary and Secondary

Types:

1.)  Primary is when it occurs with no underlying lung condition

2.)  Secondary is the result of an underlying lung condition

3.)  Traumatic is a result of trauma to lung tissue or a blunt trauma into lung

4.)  Iatrogenic is a result of procedures near the lungs such as a biopsy [or other]
resulting in a collapse

5.) Tension is a medical emergency

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

It is also seen in those who have Marfan syndrome.

Family history and smoking may be related.

Secondary causes

–  Asthma
–  Emphysema
–  Cystic Fibrosis
–  Pneumonia
–  Tuberculosis
–  Cancers
–  Sarcoidosis

Symptoms

–  Difficulty breathing
–  Pain with breathing
–  Shortness of breath
–  Chest pain
–  Cough
–  Hypoxia  –  loss of oxygen
–  A penetrating chest wound
–  Difficulty talking
–  Cyanosis  [turning blue]

Treatment

–  Depends on the severity of the pneumothorax

–  Some small pneumothoraxes 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 recurring episodes.