Pneumothorax

 Pneumothorax

Definition:

A pneumothorax is a collection of air outside the lung but within the pleural cavity. It occurs when air accumulates between the parietal and visceral pleura inside the chest. The air accumulation can apply pressure on the lung and make it collapse.

Symptoms:

• ·         Chest pain: A sharp, stabbing pain that worsens when breathing in. The pain can radiate to the shoulder. 
• ·         Shortness of breath: Can cause nasal flaring. 
• ·         Bluish skin: Caused by a lack of oxygen. 
• ·         Other symptoms: Fatigue, rapid breathing and heartbeat, a dry cough, chest tightness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and an enlarged jugular vein.

C Causes of 

 Pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, can be caused by a number of things, including:

•     ·       Lung disease

Damaged lung tissue from diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, asthma, tuberculosis, or whooping cough can increase the risk of a collapsed lung. 

•     ·    Chest trauma

A blunt or penetrating injury to the chest, such as a gunshot or knife wound, rib fracture, or fall, can cause a collapsed lung. 

•     ·    Air pressure changes

Air pressure changes from scuba diving or traveling to a high altitude can cause air blisters in the lungs to burst, leading to a collapsed lung. 

•     ·   Medical procedures

Certain medical procedures, like thoracentesis (removing fluid from the pleural cavity with a needle) or a lung biopsy, can cause a collapsed lung. 

•     ·   Mechanical ventilation

In people who need mechanical assistance to breathe, the ventilator can create an imbalance of air pressure in the chest, leading to a collapsed lung. 

•     ·      Smoking

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. 

 

In some cases, the cause of pneumothorax is unclear. 

Categories: Pneumothorax