Pneumothorax (patient information): Difference between revisions
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Certain activities may lead to a [[collapsed lung]]. These include scuba diving, smoking marijuana or cigarettes, high altitude hiking, and flying. | Certain activities may lead to a [[collapsed lung]]. These include scuba diving, smoking marijuana or cigarettes, high altitude hiking, and flying. | ||
==Who is at risk for Pneumothorax?== | |||
Tall, thin people are more likely to develop a [[collapsed lung]]. | Tall, thin people are more likely to develop a [[collapsed lung]]. | ||
[[Lung diseases]] such as [[COPD]], [[asthma]], [[cystic fibrosis]], [[tuberculosis]], and [[whooping cough]] also increase your risk for a [[collapsed lung]]. | [[Lung diseases]] such as [[COPD]], [[asthma]], [[cystic fibrosis]], [[tuberculosis]], and [[whooping cough]] also increase your risk for a [[collapsed lung]]. | ||
==How do I know I have Pneumothorax?== | |||
There are decreased or no [[breath sounds]] on the affected side when heard through a [[stethoscope]]. | |||
==How do I know I have Pneumothorax?== | |||
Tests include: *[[Chest x-ray]] to tell whether there is air outside the [[lung]] *[[Arterial blood gases]] | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Call your [[health care provider]] if you have symptoms of a [[collapsed lung]], especially if you have had one before. | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Revision as of 21:25, 27 January 2010
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What is Pneumothorax?
A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, is the collection of air in the space around the lungs. This buildup of air puts pressure on the lung, so it cannot expand as much as it normally does when you take a breath.
What are the symptoms of Pneumothorax?
Almost everyone who has a collapsed lung has the following symptoms:
- Sharp chest pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough
- Shortness of breath
A larger pneumothorax will cause more severe symptoms, including:
- Chest tightness
- Easy fatigue
- Rapid heart rate
- Bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.
Other symptoms that can occur with a collapsed lung include:
- Nasal flaring
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
What causes Pneumothorax?
A collapsed lung may result from chest trauma, such as gunshot or knife wounds, rib fracture, or after certain medical procedures.
In some cases, a collapsed lung occurs without any cause. This is called a spontaneous pneumothorax. A small area in the lung that is filled with air, called a bleb, ruptures, and the air leaks into the space around the lung.
Certain activities may lead to a collapsed lung. These include scuba diving, smoking marijuana or cigarettes, high altitude hiking, and flying.
Who is at risk for Pneumothorax?
Tall, thin people are more likely to develop a collapsed lung.
Lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough also increase your risk for a collapsed lung.
How do I know I have Pneumothorax?
There are decreased or no breath sounds on the affected side when heard through a stethoscope.
Tests include: *Chest x-ray to tell whether there is air outside the lung *Arterial blood gases
When to seek urgent medical care
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of a collapsed lung, especially if you have had one before.
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Pneumothorax
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pneumothorax