Spontaneous Pneumothorax

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A pneumothorax (new-mo-thor-aks) is the collapse, or caving-in, of all or part of the lung. It occurs when air enters the area between the lung and the chest wall. The lung cannot fill up with air when you take a breath. It happens most often in tall, thin people and in people with lung disease.

Causes: It may be caused by an air pocket or bleb (fluid filled sac) in the lung that breaks. Changes in pressure during diving, flying, or even exercising may cause an air pocket to break. Asthma, a chest injury, or a lung infection may also cause a break in an air pocket.

Signs and Symptoms: Your signs may be more serious if a large part of your lung has collapsed. You may have sudden, sharp pain on the side of the affected lung. Other signs may be trouble breathing, fast breathing, or coughing. Your chest may not look the same on both sides when you breathe in.

Care: You will have a chest x-ray so caregivers can look at your lungs. A small lung collapse will usually heal on its own without treatment. You may need to go into the hospital with a larger lung collapse that is causing breathing problems.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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