pneumotoraksia

Pneumotoraksia, or pneumothorax, is the presence of air in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall, which can cause partial or complete lung collapse. It may occur spontaneously or after trauma, chest procedures, or in people with lung disease.

Types include spontaneous pneumothorax (primary, in people without known lung disease, and secondary, in those with underlying lung disease), traumatic pneumothorax (from chest injury or iatrogenic causes), and tension pneumothorax, a medical emergency in which air pressure compresses the lungs and mediastinum.

Symptoms often include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Exam findings may include reduced breath sounds on the affected side, hyperresonance, and tachycardia. Small or stable cases can be mild or asymptomatic.

Diagnosis is usually by chest X-ray; ultrasound can rapidly detect pneumothorax at the bedside, and CT may be used for unclear cases or to evaluate underlying disease.

Treatment depends on size and stability. Small spontaneous pneumothoraces may be observed with oxygen. Larger or symptomatic cases require procedures such as needle aspiration or chest tube thoracostomy. Tension pneumothorax requires immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.

Prevention focuses on risk modification and treatment of underlying disease. Recurrence is common after spontaneous pneumothorax; some patients undergo pleurodesis to reduce recurrence. Prognosis is generally favorable with timely treatment but can be serious in older or chronically ill patients.