Spontaneous Pneumothorax

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A spontaneous pneumothorax is a condition in which air collects in the pleural space (the space between your lung and chest wall). When a pneumothorax occurs, the lung can collapse, making it hard for you to breathe. This happens because the air between the lung and the chest wall prevents the lung from filling with air. A spontaneous pneumothorax can happen in one or both of your lungs. A primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in a person with no known lung disease. A secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is when a person has a known lung disease or medical condition. While a pneumothorax is often caused by trauma, a spontaneous pneumothorax happens without a clear cause. A spontaneous pneumothorax may occur when an air pocket or bleb (fluid-filled sac) in the lung breaks open. This allows air to leak out and become trapped in the pleural cavity. Air may also enter the pleural space if your lung tissue is damaged and becomes porous (has small tissue openings).
  
  
• A spontaneous pneumothorax may cause you to have shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat. A tension pneumothorax may occur making it hard for your lungs and heart to work properly. A tension pneumothorax may become life-threatening. The risk for a spontaneous pneumothorax is higher in tall, thin males, smokers, and in people with lung disease. Imaging tests, such as a chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan may be done to diagnose your pneumothorax. A small spontaneous pneumothorax may heal on its own without treatment. Treatment includes needle aspiration, chest tubes, or surgery to repair your lung. Treatment may allow your lung to fill with air, making it easier for you to breathe. Your other symptoms, such as chest pain, may resolve and your heart and lungs will function better.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Pain Medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or lessen your pain.
  
  
• Antibiotic medicine: You may be given antibiotic (germ-killing) medicine if a lung infection caused your pneumothorax. Antibiotic medicine may also be given to help prevent an infection.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Even if your lung has not completely filled with air, you may be allowed to go home. You may need to return within 24 to 48 hours for chest x-rays. You may have to return many times, until caregivers see that your lung has returned to normal. If your lung does not heal properly or you keep having problems, you may need more treatment. If your pneumothorax heals without treatment, you may need to return for chest x-rays after 1 to 2 weeks.
  
  

Diving and climbing after a spontaneous pneumothorax:

Do not dive underwater or climb to high altitudes (heights) after having a spontaneous pneumothorax without asking your caregiver. The change of pressure could cause another pneumothorax.

Flying after a spontaneous pneumothorax:

Do not fly if you have an untreated or recurring pneumothorax, without first asking your caregiver. Ask your caregiver when it is safe for you to fly.

Do not smoke:

Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You hear a crackling noise or feel popping when touching your skin. This may occur when touching any skin area including in your chest and neck.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or treatment.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have sudden or increased trouble breathing or chest pain.
  
  
• Your throat or the front of your neck looks like it is pushing to one side.
  
  
• Your heart is beating much faster than normal for you and you are sweating.
  
  
• You feel weak and lightheaded and are breathing very fast.
  
  
• Your fingernails, toenails, and lips begin to turn blue.
  
  
• You have trouble thinking clearly.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Aftercare Instructions)