Overview
A pneumothorax (collapsed lung) happens when there’s air in the space between your chest wall and your lung (pleural space). Air in the pleural space can build up and press against your lung, causing it to partially or fully collapse. Pneumothorax is also called a punctured lung.
A pneumothorax can be a medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency department right away if you think you could have collapsed lung.
What are the different types of collapsed lung?
The two main types of pneumothorax are spontaneous and traumatic.
Spontaneous pneumothorax
A spontaneous pneumothorax is a collapsed lung that happens without an injury. Types include:
- Primary spontaneous pneumothorax: When no underlying health condition or disease causes the collapsed lung. This can happen if abnormal air pockets in your lung (blebs) break apart and release air.
- Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: Certain lung diseases can lead to a collapsed lung. This can happen when your lung is blocked, causing bulging areas (bullae) that can burst.
Traumatic pneumothorax
Injuries and medical procedures can cause a traumatic pneumothorax. Types include:
- Injury-related pneumothorax: When injury to your chest, like a fractured rib or knife wound, punctures your lung.
- Iatrogenic pneumothorax: When your lung is punctured during a medical procedure, like a lung biopsy or a central venous line insertion.
Other types of pneumothorax
Other types of pneumothorax include:
- Tension pneumothorax: When air can get into your lungs but can’t get out. The one-way valve effect causes pressure to build up inside of your chest. This is a serious form of pneumothorax that’s a medical emergency.
- Catamenial pneumothorax: A rare condition that can affect people with endometriosis. Endometrial tissue growing outside of your uterus can form cysts that can bleed into the pleural space, causing your lung to collapse.
How serious is a punctured lung?
The seriousness of a punctured lung depends on the cause and how much of your lung is collapsed. Some cases aren’t serious, and some are medical emergencies. A healthcare provider can tell you how much of your lung is collapsed and what your treatment options are.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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