Pneumothorax: An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Pneumothorax: An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space), putting pressure on the lung and affecting breathing. It can occur suddenly or gradually, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Functional Symptoms:

• Chest pain: Sudden onset, often after exertion or a sudden change in pressure. Pain can be dull, sharp, or stabbing, worsening with deep breaths, coughing, or movement.

• Dry cough: Especially when changing positions.

• Shortness of breath: Increasing with exertion.

Physical Symptoms:

• Appearance:

• Large pneumothorax: The affected side of the chest appears distended, with widened intercostal spaces and reduced movement with breathing.

• Subcutaneous emphysema may be present: Neck swelling, narrowed eyes.

• Palpation: Reduced or absent tactile fremitus, subcutaneous emphysema palpable.

• Percussion: Hyperresonance.

• Auscultation: Diminished or absent lung sounds, pleural friction rub.

• Galliard’s triad: Decreased tactile fremitus, hyperresonance, absent lung sounds.

• Large pneumothorax: Mediastinal shift, compression of the liver and stomach.

Radiography:

• Lung tissue is pulled away from the hilum.

• Mediastinal shift to the unaffected side, diaphragmatic dome is pushed down.

• Hyperlucency of the affected lung field, no visible lung markings, sharp border between the lung tissue and the pneumothorax.

Types of Pneumothorax:

• Bilateral pneumothorax: Occurs in patients with respiratory failure, requiring urgent drainage.

• Hydro-pneumothorax: Caused by trauma, surgical complications, ruptured abscess, etc.

Causes of Pneumothorax:

• Primary pneumothorax:

• Occurs in young, tall, thin individuals, and smokers.

• Secondary pneumothorax:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Lung infections.

• Autoimmune diseases, cancer.

• Pneumothorax due to other causes:

• Trauma: Open chest wounds, rib fractures penetrating the lung, pulmonary contusion.

• Surgical complications, treatment complications.

Treatment:

• Chest tube drainage.

• Treatment of the underlying cause of the pneumothorax.

• Symptomatic treatment: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications, respiratory support.

Note:

• See a doctor for diagnosis and timely treatment.

• If you experience any symptoms suggestive of pneumothorax, contact your doctor immediately.

In conclusion, pneumothorax is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to avoid dangerous complications. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to recovery.