A collapsed lung, medically termed a pneumothorax, occurs when air leaks into the pleural space. This is the area located between the lung and the inner wall of the chest. When air accumulates in this space, it exerts pressure on the lung, preventing it from fully expanding during inhalation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Recognizing the Symptoms
A collapsed lung often causes sudden, sharp chest pain, typically localized to one side and worsening with deep breaths or coughing. Shortness of breath is another common symptom, as the lung’s reduced capacity affects oxygen intake.
A rapid heart rate may also be noticed. Chest tightness or easy fatigue can also occur. In severe instances, a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nails can occur due to insufficient oxygen levels.
Common Causes
A collapsed lung can arise from various factors. Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without external injury. This type can be primary, occurring in individuals without known underlying lung conditions, often from the rupture of small air-filled blisters called blebs on the lung surface. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in people with pre-existing lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or asthma, where damaged lung tissue is more susceptible to tearing.
Traumatic injuries are another common cause. These include blunt force trauma, such as from car accidents or falls, or penetrating injuries like stab or gunshot wounds to the chest. Such injuries can puncture the lung, allowing air to escape into the pleural space. Certain medical procedures, such as lung biopsies, central venous line insertions, or mechanical ventilation, can also lead to a pneumothorax by causing a puncture or air pressure imbalance.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
A collapsed lung requires prompt medical attention. If symptoms like sudden sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing occur, seek emergency medical care immediately. This means calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
Prompt medical evaluation is important to prevent complications. One complication is a tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the chest cavity without an exit. This leads to dangerously high pressure, compressing the heart and the other lung, and causing rapidly worsening oxygen shortage and low blood pressure. Untreated, this can result in obstructive shock and be fatal.
How Doctors Confirm a Collapsed Lung
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination. During the exam, a healthcare provider listens to the patient’s breathing with a stethoscope, noting decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side. This initial assessment helps guide further investigation.
Imaging tests are then performed to confirm the diagnosis. A chest X-ray is a common initial investigation, often sufficient to show a collapsed lung. For more detailed images or when small pneumothoraces are suspected, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be used, as CT scans are highly accurate. Ultrasound imaging of the chest is also a valuable tool, offering high sensitivity in detecting a pneumothorax, sometimes surpassing chest X-rays, and can be performed at the bedside.