Pneumothorax is another name for a collapsed lung. It occurs when air collects in the space between the lung and the chest wall. The amount of air outside the lung determines the extent of collapse. It may be fatal if the collapse becomes large, or the pressure outside the lung is greater than inside.

Pneumothorax may result from a puncture due to surgery, biopsy or other medical procedures. It can also occur after an injury, such as a gunshot or knife wound. Sudden cases can occur in otherwise healthy adults without any piercing wound. The lung may rupture during exercise or coughing. This may happen to people with an underlying lung disease or birth defect. Collapsed lung is a common problem in premature infants.

The signs of collapsed lung are sudden, sharp chest pain, lopsided chest wall movement, shortness of breath, and bluish lips and fingernails. If it becomes more severe, the person may have weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, bulging neck veins, and a very hard time breathing. An infant may have rapid, grunting breathing and bluish color. A minor rupture in the lung that releases a small amount of air may cause no symptoms at all.

A chest X-ray confirms a collapsed lung. In mild cases with less than 30 percent collapse, treatment is often bed rest, breathing oxygen, and monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. The person is usually most comfortable sitting upright. A physician may insert a needle through the chest to drain the trapped air. If the case is more severe, the doctor places a tube through the chest until the lung expands. The problem is less likely to recur when a tube is used. If the problem keeps recurring, a surgeon may try to prevent it by surgically attaching the lung to the chest wall.

Report any trouble breathing to your healthcare provider right away, especially if the change is sudden.

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