What is Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition occurs when there is a rupture or leakage in the lung tissue or airways, allowing air to escape into the pleural space. As a result, the affected lung collapses partially or completely, leading to breathing difficulties and chest pain.

Pneumothorax can be categorized into two main types:

• Spontaneous pneumothorax: This occurs without any apparent cause, often affecting young individuals, especially tall, thin males. It can happen due to the rupture of small air sacs (blebs) on the lung surface.


• Traumatic pneumothorax: This type is caused by an injury or trauma to the chest, such as a rib fracture or penetrating chest wound. It can also occur during medical procedures or due to underlying lung diseases.

Symptoms of pneumothorax may include: sudden sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, decreased breath sounds on the affected side, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin).

Treatment options for pneumothorax depend on the severity and underlying cause: small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own, while larger or symptomatic cases may require intervention. Treatment may involve observation, chest tube insertion to remove the air, or surgical procedures to repair the lung.