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Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, can be caused by injuries, certain activities, or lung disorders. Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatment options range from monitoring to surgery, depending on the severity of the collapse. Prognosis depends on the cause and extent of the collapse.
Pneumothorax is the formal medical term for a collapsed lung. Sometimes known as a spontaneous pneumothorax, a lung collapses when air collects in the space around it. Treatment for this potentially serious condition may include giving oxygen and artificially inflating the lung.
There are several situations that can contribute to the occurrence of a collapsed lung. Injuries including chest trauma and rib fractures can lead to lung collapse. Certain habits and activities can lead to lung collapse, including smoking, scuba diving, and flying. Individuals who have been diagnosed with certain lung disorders, such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis, may also experience lung collapse.
When a lung collapses without any known cause, it may be referred to as a spontaneous pneumothorax. In some cases, a small pocket of air within the lung tissue itself, known as a bleb, can rupture. The air escaping from this ruptured sac can then enter the cavity surrounding the lung. The accumulation of leaked air, over time, can lead to partial or complete collapse of the lung depending on how much air is pressing against it.
Individuals with a pneumothorax may gradually become symptomatic. Common signs associated with a collapsed lung include shortness of breath and intense chest pain that accompanies coughing or taking a deep breath. Some individuals may tire easily with little effort or develop a rapid heart rate. Additional signs may include a bluish tinge to the skin due to inadequate oxygen, low blood pressure, and tightness in the chest.
A pneumothorax is usually identifiable through a stethoscope because there may be weakened or non-existent breath sounds. Diagnostic tests may be done to confirm that a pneumothorax has occurred and assess its severity. A chest X-ray may be taken to determine if there is air accumulating in the cavity surrounding the affected lung. In some cases, an arterial blood gas (ABG) test may be done to measure the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
Treatment for a collapsed lung depends on the extent of the collapse and the individual’s overall health. If the collapse is small, it can be monitored and allowed to heal independently. Individuals whose lung collapse is considered mild may be given supplemental oxygen and asked to rest. The air that has accumulated in the space surrounding the lung can be removed with a needle to relieve any external pressure.
Those who experience near-complete or complete lung collapse may require the placement of a chest tube to drain any escaping air. Placed between the ribs near the lungs, a chest tube can remain in place for several days, requiring extended hospitalization. Supplemental oxygen can be administered while the chest tube helps re-expansion of the affected lung. Severe cases of pneumothorax may require lung surgery to correct the collapse and prevent a future recurrence.
An individual’s prognosis depends on the extent of the lung collapse and its cause. Those with a history of pneumothorax or who smoke are at greater risk of future lung collapse. Complications associated with a collapsed lung include recurrent collapse and shock.
