Pneumothorax may result from a puncture due to surgery, biopsy or other medical procedures. It can also occur after an injury, such as a gunshot or knife wound. Sudden cases can occur in otherwise healthy adults without any piercing wound. The lung may rupture during exercise or coughing. This may happen to people with an underlying lung disease or birth defect.
Collapsed lung is a common problem in premature infants.
The signs of collapsed lung are sudden, sharp chest pain, lopsided chest wall movement, shortness of breath, and bluish lips and fingernails. If it becomes more severe, the person may have weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, bulging neck veins, and a very hard time breathing. An infant may have rapid, grunting breathing and bluish color. A minor rupture in the lung that releases a small amount of air may cause no symptoms at all. A chest X-ray confirms a collapsed lung.