When to seek emergency care: Sudden chest pain with breathlessness needs immediate emergency medical attention.
What is Pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the pleural space and pushes on the lung, causing it to collapse partially or completely.
A primary spontaneous pneumothorax can occur in otherwise healthy, often tall, young people. A secondary pneumothorax occurs in people with an underlying lung disease such as COPD or TB and is often more serious.
Common symptoms
- Sudden, sharp chest pain on one side
- Sudden breathlessness
- Rapid heart rate
- Bluish lips in severe cases
Possible causes & risk factors
- Rupture of small air blisters (blebs) on the lung surface
- Underlying lung diseases such as COPD, TB or ILD
- Smoking
- Chest injury or medical procedures
When should you consult a pulmonologist?
- Sudden chest pain with breathlessness — seek emergency care
- Follow-up after a pneumothorax to plan prevention of recurrence
Diagnostic investigations
Your evaluation is tailored to your symptoms and history. It may include:
- Chest X-ray
- Thoracic ultrasound
- CT scan of the chest to identify underlying lung disease
Available treatment approaches
- Observation with oxygen for small, stable pneumothoraces
- Needle aspiration
- Intercostal drain or small-bore (pigtail) catheter insertion
- Pleurodesis or referral for surgery for recurrent or persistent air leaks
- Smoking cessation to reduce recurrence risk
Treatment is individualised. The options above are general information; your doctor will recommend what is appropriate for you after assessment. Outcomes vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Air travel is generally avoided until the pneumothorax has fully resolved and your doctor has confirmed this with a chest X-ray. Ask your doctor for advice specific to you.
