Definition and Symptoms of Pneumothorax - Abnormal collection of air in pleural space - Occurs between lung and chest wall - Sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain - Shortness of breath - Tension pneumothorax causes one-way valve and increased air in space

Complications and Risk Factors of Pneumothorax - Tension pneumothorax leads to oxygen shortage - Low blood pressure - Obstructive shock can occur - Obstructive shock can be fatal if not reversed - Rare cases of pneumothorax affecting both lungs - Smoking increases risk of pneumothorax - History of lung disease increases risk - Male gender is a risk factor - Age between 20 and 40 increases risk - Family history of pneumothorax increases risk

Terminology and Types of Pneumothorax - Pneumothorax often called collapsed lung - Collapsed lung can also refer to atelectasis - Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without apparent cause - Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in absence of significant lung disease - Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax has underlying lung disease as cause

Diagnosis of Pneumothorax - Chest X-ray used to diagnose pneumothorax - CT scan may be necessary for accurate diagnosis

Treatment of Pneumothorax - Small pneumothorax may resolve on its own - Large pneumothorax may require chest tube insertion - Surgery may be needed for recurrent or persistent pneumothorax