Pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall.
Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath.
In a minority of cases, a one-way valve is formed by an area of damaged tissue, and the amount of air in the chest increases; this is called a tension pneumothorax. This can cause a steadily worsening oxygen shortage and low blood pressure and unless reversed can be fatal.[3] Very rarely, both lungs may be affected by a pneumothorax.[6] It is often called a "collapsed lung", although that term may also refer to atelectasis.
Diagnosis of a pneumothorax by physical examination alone can be difficult (particularly in smaller pneumothoraces).[10] A chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound is usually used to confirm its presence.[5] Other conditions that can result in similar symptoms include a hemothorax (buildup of blood in the pleural space), pulmonary embolism, and heart attack.[2][11]
A large bulla may look similar on a chest X-ray.
Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath.
In a minority of cases, a one-way valve is formed by an area of damaged tissue, and the amount of air in the chest increases; this is called a tension pneumothorax. This can cause a steadily worsening oxygen shortage and low blood pressure and unless reversed can be fatal.[3] Very rarely, both lungs may be affected by a pneumothorax.[6] It is often called a "collapsed lung", although that term may also refer to atelectasis.
A large bulla may look similar on a chest X-ray.
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