Pneumothorax

About

The condition when there is presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung, is called pneumothorax. It can be a complete lung collapse or a collapse of only a portion of the lung.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary in severity depending on the size of the pneumothorax and the current condition of the person.Some of the common symptoms include:

Sudden Sharp Chest Pain
Shortness of Breath
Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia)
Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea)
Coughing
Fatigue

These symptoms can also become severe with worsening conditions:

Bluish Skin Color (Cyanosis)
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Distended Neck Veins
Decreased or Absent Breath Sounds
Tracheal Deviation

Diagnosis

Pneumothorax can be examined by Physical Examination that includes:

Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation

Other than these, some imaging studies may also be suggested for proper diagnosis, namely:

Chest X-ray
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Ultrasound

Treatment

Precise and timely treatment is important to ensure complete recovery and prevent further complications and the recurrence of pneumothorax. Your Doctor may advice one or more of these treatments as per your condition:

Observation and Supplemental Oxygen
Needle Aspiration
Chest Tube Insertion
Surgery (VATS or Thoracotomy)
Emergency Treatment for Tension Pneumothorax
Supportive Care and Follow-Up

Our Pneumothorax Specialists

Dr. Mandeep Singh

Director - Pulmonary Medicine Department

MBBS, MD, DM(T.B, Res. Disease)

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Dr. Navdeep Singh Nanda

Thoracic Surgeon

MBBS(Gold Medalist), MS(General Surgery), DNB(Thoracic Surgery), MNAMS

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Dr. Dilbag Singh

Consultant Pulmonologist Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Specialist

MD Pulmonary Medicine , DNB Respiratory Medicine, MRCP UK SCE , Eupoean Diploma Respiratory Medicine , Fellowship Sleep Medicine ( ISDA ) , Fellowship Critical Care Medicine ( Gurgaon Fortis ) Ex DM Fellow ( SKIMS )

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Dr. Neeraj Vijay Gajwani

Resident - TB & Chest

MBBS

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FAQs

A serious type where air accumulates under pressure in the pleural space, compressing the lung and other mediastinal structures.

Prognosis is generally good with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Recurrence rates vary depending on the underlying cause and treatment approach.