Question 1

what is pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Air around the lung: There is normally no air in the thin space between the rib cage and the lungs. Normally the negative pressure inside the ribcage keeps the lung inflated with the lung gliding against the cage. The lungs expand as the rib cage moves. If there is a hole in the lung or if there is a stab from the outside to inside of the rib cage, the pressure rises and the lung collapses - a pneumothorax.

Question 2

is pneumothorax common?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pneumothorax can be spontaneous and occurs 7.4 and 1.2 per 100, 000 in men & women respectively. It also results after trauma, surgery, respirator therapy and needle biopsy of the lung. Some cases are treated conservatively, others require placement of a surgical chest tube for re-expansion of the lung.

Question 3

how can i treat pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

See below: This is treated by a doctor through needle decompression, oxygen, or a chest tube. It depends on the extent, severity, and comorbidities.

Question 4

what are tests for pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Cxr: Symptoms may include chest and shoulder discomfort along with shortness of breath.  Exam may demonstrate dimished breath sounds on the side of collapse.  Diagnosis is usually made on chest xray.  Occasionally, a very small pneumo is picked up on ct.

Question 5

how is a pneumothorax diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Short of breath: Sudden onset of chest pain with shortness of breath is a common symptom.  A cxr will confirm it.  Pneumothorax  / ptx can be spontaneous or traumatic in origin.  Significant chest trauma (blunt or sharp) with rib fractures are commonly associated with ptx.  Certain body type, connective tissue disorder and lung disease such as emphysema are associated with ptx - at time spontaneous without trauma.

Question 6

does a pneumothorax heal on its own?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The size of a pneumothorax can vary considerably as can the cause. Without relevant information on both issues little can be said.

Question 7

what is pneumothorax and it`s causes?

Accepted Answer

Air: It's due to air entering the space between your lung and chest wall. They can be the result of trauma or can occur spontaneously.

Question 8

what is pneumothorax? what causes it?

Accepted Answer

Collapsed lung: Potentially life threatening disease! Many reasons.

Check with your lung specialist and discuss the need of a CT scan of the chest and lungs.

Good luck.

Question 9

pneumothorax-- can it come on slowly ?

Accepted Answer

Yes possible: Yes some times lung can leak slowly and the reason to take sequential chest x-rays to see the progress.

Question 10

what do you recommend for pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Go to emergency: Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space outside of the lung and the chest wall.  It is due to a hole in the lining and causes the lung to collapse with dangerous lack of breathing.  Some are spontaneous, others due to lung disease - occasionally severe.  This needs immediate treatment.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Pneumodart for pneumothorax

A member asked:

What is pneumothorax?

A member asked:

Is pneumothorax common?

A member asked:

How can i treat pneumothorax?

A member asked:

What are tests for pneumothorax?

A member asked:

How is a pneumothorax diagnosed?

A member asked:

Does a pneumothorax heal on its own?

A member asked:

What is pneumothorax and it`s causes?

A member asked:

What is pneumothorax? what causes it?

A member asked:

Pneumothorax-- can it come on slowly ?

A member asked:

What do you recommend for pneumothorax?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?