Pneumothorax

• What is a pneumothorax?
• What are the types of pneumothorax?
• What are the causes of pneumothorax?
• Who is at risk for pneumothorax?
• What is a tension pneumothorax?
• What are the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax?
• How is pneumothorax diagnosed?
• How is pneumothorax treated?
• What is the outcome (prognosis) of pneumothorax?
• Pneumothorax At A Glance

rupture of a cyst or a small sac (bleb) on the surface of the lung. Pneumothorax may also occur following an injury to the chest wall such as a fractured rib, any penetrating injury (gun shot or stabbing), surgical invasion of the chest, or may be deliberately induced in order to collapse the lung. A pneumothorax can also develop as a result of underlying lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, asthma, and infections of the lungs.