Pneumothorax: Causes, Warning Signs and Treatment Options

What Is Pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, occurs when air enters the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. The trapped air can put pressure on the lung and cause it to partially or completely collapse.

The condition can range from a small pneumothorax that is monitored carefully to a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate treatment.

What Causes Pneumothorax?

Possible causes include:

•     Spontaneous rupture of small air-filled spaces in the lung
•     Existing lung diseases
•     Chest injuries
•     Certain medical procedures
•     Previous episodes of pneumothorax

Smoking increases the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax. Some cases occur without an obvious underlying cause.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Collapsed Lung?

Common symptoms include:

•     Sudden chest pain, often on one side
•     Shortness of breath
•     Rapid heartbeat
•     Discomfort that worsens with deep breathing

Symptoms may appear suddenly. Severe breathing difficulty, faintness or rapidly worsening chest pain requires emergency medical attention.

How Is Pneumothorax Diagnosed?

A doctor may perform a physical examination and recommend a chest X-ray or ultrasound. A CT scan may be required in selected cases to clarify the diagnosis or identify underlying lung abnormalities.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment depends on the size of the pneumothorax, the patient’s symptoms, the underlying cause and overall clinical stability.

Possible approaches include:

•     Careful observation for selected small pneumothoraces
•     Supplemental oxygen when clinically indicated
•     Aspiration or chest tube drainage to remove trapped air
•     Surgical treatment for selected recurrent or persistent cases

A large or unstable pneumothorax may require urgent intervention.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery may be considered when pneumothorax recurs, an air leak persists or certain underlying lung abnormalities are present.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive technique that may be used in suitable patients. The procedure can address the source of the air leak and help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Why Timely Treatment Matters

A collapsed lung should always be medically assessed. Early diagnosis helps determine the severity of the condition and the safest treatment approach.

About the Author: Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri is a Senior Consultant Thoracic Surgeon & Lung Transplant Surgeon at Medanta – The Medicity Hospital, with expertise in the evaluation and surgical management of thoracic conditions.