Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)
|
| Definition |
A collapsed lung (pneumonthorax)
occurs when air accumulates in the space between the lung and the
chest wall(pleural cavity). This causes the lung to partially or
totally collapse and may cause difficulty breathing.
|
| Causes |
Sometimes a pneumothorax occurs
when a small part of the lung spontaneously develops a leak. A
pneumothorax may also occur with chest injuries or as a complication
of a medical procedure, such as the placement of a central venous
catheter.
|
| Treatment |
A chest X-ray is taken to see
whether or not a lung has collapsed. A tube (thoracostomy tube) can
be placed through the chest wall into the space around the lung to
drain the air (chest drainage) and re-expand the lung.
|
| Comments |
Treatment of a pneumothorax depends
upon the size of the pneumothorax and the patient's symptoms. Not
all collapsed lungs require treatment. Some will resolve
spontaneously.
|
| Related
Links |
University of Iowa
University of Iowa site with sample case presentation on collapsed
lung (pneumothorax).
eMedicine
The eMedicine.com site is a technical site developed for the health
care professional and has extensive information on collapsed lung
and numerous other medical conditions. |
ICU Medical Conditions 
