He underwent an emergency tube thoracostomy. One month later, he resumed lifting without recurrence. This case report demonstrates the need to be responsive to dyspnea and chest pain in healthy, young athletes. Pneumothorax in sports is uncommon, but cases of spontaneous and trauma-induced pneumothorax have been reported. Initial symptoms may be minimal, but prompt recognition can help prevent respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.
Treatment depends in part on the size of the pneumothorax.
P neumothorax can occur spontaneously or as a result of blunt trauma. Trauma-induced pneumothorax is frequently caused by a significant force that results in fracture, but it can also occur without fracture. The following case report describes pneumothorax associated with minimal blunt trauma in a weight lifter. It exemplifies the ability of healthy, young athletes to compensate and appear comfortable. Their perception of their symptoms may not reflect the severity of injury.