Question 1

i would like info about spontaneous pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Unexpected: A spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when there is a sudden increase in pressure in the lung, causing a rupture. Most occur in people having a weakness on the surface of the lung, making it more susceptible to rupture. Treatment, if needed, is usually tube insertion for a first episode, and surgery for subsequent events.

Question 2

what is the most common cause of spontaneous pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Small blebs: Single or multiple small emphysematous blebs( appear like little blisters, or clusters of grapes )
ionesco or more pop like a ballon and air collects in the pleural space= pneumothorax.

Question 3

can daily secondhand smoke cause spontaneous pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, YES: The risk factors for primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (sp) include: smoking (including marijuana), tall thin stature in otherwise healthy, connective tissue disorders, pregnancy, familial history. Lung inflammation is also hypothesized to be important. Significant exposure to second hand smoke is associated with lung injury, inflammation, cancer, etc...

Question 4

could i get some information on a spontaneous pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Collapsed lung: Spontaneous pneumothorax is collapse of the lung due to air leaking out from the lung.  Spontaneous means that there is no obvious cause such as trauma.  In most cases, it would be treated initially with a chest tube, which will allow the lung to re-expand.  If it re-occurs or if the air leak does not seal, sometimes surgery is necessary.

Question 5

how long does it take to die once a spontaneous pneumothorax starts?

Accepted Answer

You don't die.: Small ones do not even require treatment. Larger ones can easily be treated with the temporary use of a chest tube which will reinflate the lung. Deaths from a pneumothorax are rare. Since you are a smoker i would guess the pneumothorax was the result of a rupture of a bleb or cyst secondary to emphysema. Stop smoking.

Question 6

why are tall, slender men at higher risk for developing spontaneous pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Unknown reason: Spontaneous pneumothorax, where a lung leaks air (from a broken bleb) into the chest cavity space, occurs more often in persons with taller, slender bodies. The reason is not known, but maybe taller lungs develop blebs ("bubbles" with air just under the lung's covering) more easily, or break blebs more easily. Men may be affected more often because they are taller than women.

Question 7

question about risk factors for spontaneous pneumothorax--any particular age or race?

Accepted Answer

Age is a factor: Spontaneous pneumo is more common in males and usually occurs in the early twenties. Occurance in females and after age foorty is less common. Other risk factors include smoking, family history and a history of Marfan syndrome. Women with endometriosis with thorasic involvement may be at higher risk. Incidence appears to vary based on geography but the reason is not clear.

Question 8

what do you suggest if i have a spontaneous pneumothorax, can it be healed on its own?

Accepted Answer

Depends: How are you feeling? Have you had any before? Have you had any treatment? Symptoms, recurrence, and response to therapy all impact treatment recommendations.

Question 9

can spontaneous pneumothorax happen in sleep?

Accepted Answer

Never say never: In science/medicine we have this truism. When you look at the issue mentioned, it would be expected to occur during active or exertion states rather than sleep, where the rate &amp; depth of respiratory effort declines to a minimum. If you are obsessed with this issue, get a checkup &amp; find a life coach/therapist to help you manage the stress. Health obsessions often hide other personal problems.

Question 10

can you fly after having spontaneous pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

If well healed: Barotrauma from scuba or skydiving at high altitude could put a person at risk for spontaneous pneumothorax but since airline cabins are pressurized, a routine airline flight should not induce barotrauma.  If previous pneumothorax has been treated without complication routine air travel is ok.

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Medicine for spontaneous pneumothorax

A member asked:

I would like info about spontaneous pneumothorax?

A member asked:

What is the most common cause of spontaneous pneumothorax?

A member asked:

Can daily secondhand smoke cause spontaneous pneumothorax?

A member asked:

Could i get some information on a spontaneous pneumothorax?

A member asked:

How long does it take to die once a spontaneous pneumothorax starts?

A member asked:

Why are tall, slender men at higher risk for developing spontaneous pneumothorax?

A member asked:

Question about risk factors for spontaneous pneumothorax--any particular age or race?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if i have a spontaneous pneumothorax, can it be healed on its own?

A member asked:

Can spontaneous pneumothorax happen in sleep?

A member asked:

Can you fly after having spontaneous pneumothorax?

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