The pain is sometimes confused with a heart attack. The following symptoms vary according to the degree of lung collapse and extent of underlying lung disease. Pain may extend to a shoulder or across the chest or abdomen. Shortness of breath.
Causes related to activity occur most often in healthy persons.
Chronic lung disease. High altitude flying. Your own observation of symptoms. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. X-rays of the chest to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size of the pneumothorax.