Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

A spontaneous pneumothorax is a collapsed lung. Part or all of the lung may collapse. Air collects in the pleural space (the space between the lungs and chest wall). The trapped air prevents your child's lung from filling, and the lung collapses. A primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in a person with no known lung problems. A secondary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in a person who has a known lung disease or medical condition. A spontaneous pneumothorax can happen in one or both lungs.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Your child has new or increased shortness of breath or chest pain.
Your child's throat or the front of his or her neck is pushed to one side.
Your child is sweating and feels like he or she is going to pass out.
Your child's fingernails, toenails, or lips begin to turn blue.
Your child has trouble thinking clearly.

Call your child's doctor or pulmonologist if:

Your child has a fever.
You hear a crackling noise or feel popping when you touch your child's skin.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Medicines:

Your child may need any of the following:

Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not give your child other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to a healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your child's provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Safety precautions:

A change of pressure could cause another pneumothorax. Follow these and other safety precautions from your child's healthcare provider:

Do not smoke near your child. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can increase your child's risk for another pneumothorax. Talk to your adolescent about not smoking. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you or your adolescent currently smokes and needs help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to a healthcare provider before you use these products.
Do not let your child dive under water or climb to high altitudes.
Do not let your child fly if he or she has an untreated or recurring pneumothorax. Your child's provider will tell you if it is okay for your child to fly.
Do not let your child play sports until his or her provider says it is okay.

Follow up with your child's doctor or pulmonologist as directed:

Your child may need to return for more chest x-rays. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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