Why Does a Pneumothorax Cause the Lung to Collapse

A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the chest cavity, putting pressure on the lung and causing it to collapse, either partially or completely. This condition can result from injuries, medical procedures, or underlying health issues. If you notice symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a bluish color in your skin, nails, or lips, it’s important to immediately seek emergency medical attention.

What is a Pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, happens when air leaks into the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. As the air collects, it exerts pressure on the lung, causing it to collapse either partially or entirely. This condition is sometimes called a punctured lung.

What are the Symptoms of a Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)?

Symptoms of a pneumothorax may include:

• Sudden sharp chest pain on one side, particularly when breathing
• Persistent coughing
• Quick, shallow breathing
• Elevated heart rate
• Unexplained fatigue
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Bluish color to the skin, lips, or nails (cyanosis)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room, as urgent care may be necessary.

What Causes a Pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax can result from three primary factors: underlying medical conditions, injuries, and lifestyle habits.

Medical Conditions:

• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Collagen vascular disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
• Tuberculosis
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Injuries:

• Blunt force trauma
• Gunshot wounds
• Stab wounds
• Medical procedures, such as nerve blocks, lung biopsies, central venous line placement, or mechanical ventilation

Lifestyle Factors:

• Inhaled drug use
• Smoking
• Air travel involving significant changes in pressure
• Scuba diving or deep-sea diving

Why Does a Pneumothorax Cause the Lung to Collapse

A pneumothorax causes the lung to collapse due to the following reasons:

1. Air enters the pleural space: Air enters the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space), which is usually filled with a small amount of fluid to allow smooth lung movement.
2. Pressure buildup: The air in the pleural space puts pressure on the lung, causing it to compress.
3. Reduced lung expansion: The pressure from the trapped air prevents the lung from fully expanding during breathing.
4. Collapsed lung: As the lung cannot expand properly, it either partially or completely collapses.
5. Reduced oxygen intake: A collapsed lung limits the amount of air and oxygen the lung can absorb, resulting in difficulty breathing.

How is Pneumothorax Treated?

The treatment for a pneumothorax varies based on its cause, size, and severity. Possible treatment options include:

• Observation: If the pneumothorax is small and not causing major issues, your healthcare provider may monitor you for signs of breathing or heart problems and schedule a follow-up visit.
• Oxygen therapy: Providing supplemental oxygen can aid in the lung’s re-expansion and enhance breathing.
• Thoracentesis: A needle is temporarily inserted between your ribs to remove the trapped air in the chest.
• Chest tube drainage: In cases of a larger pneumothorax, a tube may be inserted into the chest to drain air from the pleural space. As the air pressure reduces, the lung begins to re-expand and heal. The tube may remain in place for a few days or longer.
• Chemical pleurodesis: To prevent future lung collapse, your provider may perform a pleurodesis, which involves making an incision, inserting a tube, and using chemicals (like doxycycline or talcum powder) to fuse the lung to the chest wall, eliminating the extra space.

In some cases, surgery may be required to repair lung damage and promote healing. Surgery might be needed if:

• There is persistent air leakage from the chest tube.
• The lung doesn’t re-expand even after chest tube placement.
• The pneumothorax keeps recurring.
• Both lungs are affected.
• There are traumatic lung injuries.

Can Pneumothorax be Prevented?

To lower your risk of a collapsed lung:

• Avoid smoking.
• Limit or steer clear of activities that involve significant air pressure changes, like scuba diving and flying. Be sure to follow your provider’s recommendations if you participate in these activities.
• Have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor any lung conditions.
• If you have specific medical conditions or a family history of pneumothorax, preventing a collapsed lung may not always be feasible.

Conclusion

In many cases, a pneumothorax can heal with minimal treatment, especially if it’s small and not causing significant issues. However, any collapsed lung should be treated as a medical emergency until further evaluation. If you notice symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. These signs may signal a serious condition that needs urgent care. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the severity of your pneumothorax and decide the best treatment plan for you. If you’re wondering, Can Coughing Cause a Collapsed Lung, severe or persistent coughing can sometimes contribute to lung issues, so it’s essential to seek medical advice. Timely medical intervention is key to preventing complications and ensuring proper recovery.