Pneumothorax

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Aortic rupture, chest X-ray	Chest tube insertion - series	Lungs	Pneumothorax - chest X-ray
Pneumothorax - series	Respiratory system

Air around the lung; Air outside the lung

• Sudden sharp chest pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Easy fatigue
• Rapid heart rate
• Bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

Note: Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Nasal flaring
• Anxiety, stress, and tension
• Hypotension (low blood pressure )

Stethoscope examination of the chest reveals decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side.

Tests include:

• Chest x-ray to determine presence of air outside the lung
• Arterial blood gases

Review Date: 08/10/2005
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.