Pneumothorax why do lungs collapse

Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. For You Patient Handouts. Causes of a collapsed lung include Lung diseases such as pneumonia or lung cancer Being on a breathing machine Surgery on the chest or abdomen A blocked airway If only a small area of the lung is affected, you may not have symptoms.

A chest x-ray can tell if you have it. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Start Here. Diagnosis and Tests. Treatments and Therapies. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

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Patient Information. Conditions Treated A-Z. Collapsed Lung Pneumothorax. Definition A collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The medical name of this condition is pneumothorax. Alternative Names Air around the lung; Air outside the lung; Pneumothorax dropped lung; Spontaneous pneumothorax Causes Collapsed lung can be caused by an injury to the lung. Tall, thin people and smokers are more at risk for a collapsed lung.

Lung diseases can also increase the chance of getting a collapsed lung. Symptoms Common symptoms of a collapsed lung include: Sharp chest or shoulder pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough Shortness of breath Nasal flaring from shortness of breath A larger pneumothorax causes more severe symptoms, including: Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen Chest tightness Lightheadedness and near fainting Easy fatigue Abnormal breathing patterns or increased effort of breathing Rapid heart rate Shock and collapse Exams and Tests The health care provider will listen to your breathing with a stethoscope.

Tests that may be ordered include: Chest x-ray Arterial blood gases and other blood tests CT scan if other injuries or conditions are suspected Electrocardiogram ECG Treatment A small pneumothorax may go away on its own over time. Some people with a collapsed lung need extra oxygen. Outlook Prognosis If you have a collapsed lung, you are more likely to have another one in the future if you: Are tall and thin Continue to smoke Have had two collapsed lung episodes in the past How well you do after having a collapsed lung depends on what caused it.

Possible Complications Complications may include any of the following: Another collapsed lung in the future Shock, if there are serious injuries or infection, severe inflammation, or fluid in the lung develops When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if you have symptoms of a collapsed lung, especially if you have had one before.

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Top of the page. Topic Overview What is a pneumothorax? What causes a pneumothorax? What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include: Shortness of breath dyspnea , which may be mild to severe, depending on how much of the lung is collapsed.

Sudden, severe, and sharp chest pain on the same side as the collapsed lung. How is a pneumothorax diagnosed? How is it treated? What are the chances that a pneumothorax will return? Related Information Chest Problems. Spontaneous pneumothorax, search date January BMJ Clinical Evidence. Credits Current as of: February 24,