Pneumothorax affects 9 out of 100,000 people a year. Signs And Tests Stethoscope examination of the chest reveals decreased breath sounds on the affected side. The objective of treatment is to remove the air from the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand. Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own. With the chest tube left in place, the lung may take several days to reexpand.
Hospitalization is required for chest tube management.
Surgery may be indicated to prevent recurrent episodes. To prevent the recurrence of pneumothorax, patients should discontinue smoking and avoid high altitudes, scuba diving, or flying in unpressurized aircraft. There is no known prevention, other than to decrease risk by stopping smoking . The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.