Pneumothorax

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is an abnormal accumulation of air in the space between the lungs and the chest cavity (called the pleural space) that can result in the partial or complete collapse of a lung.
It can occur without an apparent cause and in the absence of significant lung disease.
Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

  • Rapidly developing

common

Chest discomfort

  • Right side, Left side

  • Occurs or worsens with deep inspiration, Occurs or worsens with laughing, coughing or sneezing

  • Relieved by sitting up and leaning forward

  • Sudden, intense spike of pain

  • Rapidly developing

  • Severe

common

Rapid heart rate

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • An irritating cough that doesn't go away

  • Dry

  • Lasting 3 weeks or less

Risk factors

Tall, thin young person

Smoking

Treatment
All patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) should receive resuscitation with a focus on airway stabilization (if indicated) as well as supplemental oxygen which treats hypoxemia (if present) and facilitates absorption of air from the pleural space.
Recommended specialist

If you have Pneumothorax, then a visit to a thoracic surgeon as soon as possible.

Contact a

Thoracic surgeon

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