This page provides useful information about current news and research concerning spontaneous pneumothorax. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without any prior lung disorders or diseases. As a result, air escapes from the lung and enters the chest cavity causing the lung to collapse. Depending on the severity of the incident, various symptoms will be experienced within minutes of the initial collapse. Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare form of spontaneous pneumothorax that affects women during their menstrual cycle.
Secondary pneumothorax can occur as a complication of underlying lung disease.
Asthmas, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough can all cause spontaneous pneumothoraces. A spontaneous pneumothorax has a very high rate of recurrence. Symptoms sudden chest pain shortness of breath chest tightness easy fatigue rapid heart rate bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen pain in the arm stabbing sensation in the back Detection and Tests Using a stethoscope, a doctor may be able to determine decreased breathing sounds, and a possible collapse. The goal of treatment is to remove the air from the pleural space so that the lung can re-expand. For small pneumothoraces, the body may absorb the excess air on its own.