This results in pressure on the lung from air in the pleural space, causing collapse of the lung. Pneumothorax affects 9 out of 100,000 people a year. There is no known prevention, other than to decrease risk by stopping smoking . 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. This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.