Pneumothorax

Alternative Names

Air around the lung; Air outside the lung

Symptoms

• Sudden sharp chest pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Easy fatigue
• Rapid heart rate
• Bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

Note: Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

• Nasal flaring
• Anxiety, stress, and tension
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Exams and Tests

There are decreased or no breath sounds on the affected side when heard through a stethoscope.

Tests include:

• Chest x-ray to tell whether there is air outside the lung
• Arterial blood gases

References

Baumann MH, Strange C, Heffner JE, Light R, Kirby TJ, Klein J, et al. Management of spontaneous pneumothorax. Chest. February 2001;199:590-602.

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.