Pneumothorax
Expert diagnosis and treatment for collapsed lung with rapid intervention
What is Pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely.
Affects approximately 20,000 people annually in the US. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Types of pneumothorax:
Spontaneous
Occurs without injury. Primary (no lung disease) or secondary (with underlying lung disease).
Traumatic
From chest injury or medical procedures.
Tension Pneumothorax
Life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Causes & Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- Tall, thin body habitus
- Male sex (6-10x more common)
- Age 20-40 years
- Smoking (20-30x risk)
- Family history
Underlying Lung Diseases
- COPD (emphysema)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Asthma
- Tuberculosis
- Lung cancer
Signs & Symptoms
Sudden Sharp Chest Pain
Worsens with deep breathing
Shortness of Breath
Sudden onset
Rapid Heart Rate
From decreased oxygenation
Cyanosis
Bluish skin (severe cases)
Tension Pneumothorax - Emergency
⚠️ Life-threatening signs requiring immediate emergency treatment:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Tracheal deviation away from affected side
- Distended neck veins
- Hypotension and shock
- Absent breath sounds on affected side
Diagnosis
- Chest X-Ray: First-line imaging; shows visceral pleural line
- CT Scan: More sensitive, identifies underlying lung disease
- Ultrasound: Rapid bedside diagnosis
- Pulse Oximetry & ABG: Assess oxygen levels
Treatment at Our Center
Conservative Management
- Observation for small pneumothoraces (<2cm)
- Supplemental Oxygen (10-15 L/min)
- Serial Chest X-rays every 4-6 hours
Interventional Procedures
Needle Aspiration
Success rate 60-80% for primary spontaneous
Chest Tube Insertion
For large or secondary pneumothorax
Surgical Interventions
- VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery)
- Chemical Pleurodesis
- Bullectomy
- Pleurectomy
Preventing Recurrence
- Smoking cessation (significantly reduces risk)
- Avoid scuba diving permanently
- Avoid flying for 2-4 weeks after resolution
- Surgical pleurodesis (reduces recurrence to <5%)
Prognosis
Needle aspiration success
Chest tube success
Recurrence after surgery
Why Choose Our Center?
Rapid intervention with advanced thoracic expertise
Emergency Ready
24/7 rapid response
Advanced Thoracic Surgery
VATS and minimally invasive
Expert Imaging
Rapid diagnosis
Recurrence Prevention
Pleurodesis & follow-up