Diseases

Pneumothorax

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Pneumothorax a condition in which air or other gas is present in the pleural cavity and which occurs spontaneously as a result of disease or injury of lung tissue, rupture of air-filled pulmonary cysts, or puncture of the chest wall or is induced as a therapeutic measure to collapse the lung

SYMPTOMS

The main symptoms of a pneumothorax are sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. But these symptoms can be caused by a variety of health problems, and some can be life-threatening. If your chest pain is severe or breathing becomes increasingly difficult, get immediate emergency care.

CAUSES

Chest injury. Any blunt or penetrating injury to your chest can cause lung collapse. ...
Lung disease. Damaged lung tissue is more likely to collapse. ...
Ruptured air blisters. Small air blisters (blebs) can develop on the top of your lung. ...
Mechanical ventilation.