Spontaneous pneumothorax

Alternative Names

Treatment

The objective of treatment is to remove the air from around the lungs, allowing the lung to re-expand. Small lung collapses may get better without any treatment.

Aspiration (withdrawal) of air may re-expand the lung. Placing a chest tube between the ribs into the pleural space allows the removal of air when simple aspiration is not successful or if the pneumothorax is large.

Re-expansion of the lung may take several days with the chest tube left in place. Hospitalization is required to manage the chest tube. Some people may need surgery for repeated lung collapses.

A procedure called pleurodesis can help prevent air and fluid buildup around the lungs and prevent collapses.

Patients should stop smoking and avoid high altitudes, scuba diving, or flying in unpressurized aircraft to prevent pneumothorax from recurring.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Many patients with spontaneous pneumothorax have the same problem again later.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you develop severe shortness of breath.

Call your health care provider if you have had a spontaneous pneumothorax and you are experiencing the same or similar symptoms.

References

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

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

Marx J., Hockberger R, Walls R. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005.