Spontaneous pneumothorax

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Chest tube insertion - series

Pneumothorax - chest X-ray

Respiratory system

Lung collapse - spontaneous

The objective of treatment is to remove the air from around the lungs, allowing the lung to re-expand. Small lung collapses may get better on their own.

Aspiration (withdrawal) of air may re-expand the lung. The placement of a chest tube between the ribs into the pleural space allows the evacuation of air when simple aspiration is not successful or if the pneumothorax is large. Re-expansion of the lung may take several days with the chest tube left in place. Hospitalization is required for chest tube management.

Surgery may be needed for repeated lung collapses.

A procedure called pleurodesis can help prevent air and fluid buildup around the lungs and prevent collapses.

Patients should stop smoking and avoid high altitudes, scuba diving, or flying in unpressurized aircraft to prevent the recurrence of pneumothorax.

Between 30-50% of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax have another lung collapse. However, there are no long-term complications following successful therapy.

Call your health care provider if severe shortness of breath develops.

Call your health care provider if you have had a spontaneous pneumothorax and you are experiencing the same or similar symptoms.

Review Date: 02/27/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, CriticalCare & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.