How do you know if you have a collapsed lung?

X-Ray : A collapsed lung or pneumothorax as it is called usually happens after trauma to the chest but can also occur spontaneously. Often times patients have pain on the affected side and feel short of breath. The only way to know for sure is to be examined by a physician and obtain a chest x-Ray. A small pneumothorax can be treated with 100% oxygen while a larger one requires a chest tube.

Collapsed lung: A collapsed lung often causes chest pain and difficulty breathing. A chest xray should confirm the diagnosis. If you know someone who has this it is important to seek help immediately.