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Pneumothorax

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Air around the lung; Air outside the lung

Treatment:

Small pneumothoraces may go away on their own.

Larger pneumothoraces require the removal of air from around the lung. A chest tube ( chest tube insertion ) placed between the ribs into space surrounding the lungs helps clear the air and allows the lung to re-expand. This may take several days (the chest tube is left in place). The patient must stay in the hospital while the chest tube is in place.

Supplemental oxygen may be needed to help air around the lung be reabsorbed more quickly.

Surgery may be needed to prevent recurrent episodes.

Expectations (prognosis):

Up to 50% of patients who have a pneumothorax will have another, but there are no long-term complications following successful therapy.

Complications:

• Recurrent pneumothorax
• Tension pneumothorax with shock

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of pneumothorax develop, especially if you have previously experienced this condition.

References:

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000. 

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

• Review Date: 8/10/2005
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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