A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, occurs when air leaks into the pleural space between the lung and chest wall. This space normally maintains a slight vacuum, keeping the lung expanded. Air accumulation creates pressure, causing the lung to partially or fully deflate, similar to a balloon losing air. This condition can range from minor to severe. A collapsed lung is a serious medical condition requiring prompt attention, and understanding its indicators is important for timely medical care.
Key Symptoms of a Collapsed Lung
Symptoms often appear suddenly and can vary in intensity depending on how much of the lung has deflated. The most common indicators are chest pain and shortness of breath. These symptoms typically arise almost immediately after the lung collapses.
Chest pain is frequently sharp, stabbing, or aching, usually felt on one side of the chest. It often intensifies with deep breaths or coughing and can extend to the shoulder or back, indicating irritation of nerve endings in the chest cavity lining.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is another prominent symptom. Its severity can range from mild difficulty breathing to extreme breathlessness, directly correlating with the extent of the lung’s collapse. Individuals might also experience a rapid heart rate and fast breathing, as the body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen.
A dry, hacking cough may also be present due to irritation within the respiratory system. In more severe cases, when oxygen levels in the blood become significantly low, a person might exhibit bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nails, a condition known as cyanosis. Other indicators of a larger collapse include chest tightness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and in extreme situations, symptoms of shock or physical collapse.
Factors That Increase Risk
Several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing a collapsed lung. A collapsed lung can occur without clear injury or underlying lung disease, referred to as primary spontaneous pneumothorax. This often happens when small, air-filled sacs (blebs) on the lung’s surface rupture, leaking air into the pleural space. It is more common in tall, thin males aged 20-40. Smoking significantly increases the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax.
A collapsed lung can also be a result of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, which occurs in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions. Common underlying lung diseases that elevate this risk include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Certain connective tissue disorders can also predispose individuals to a collapsed lung.
Traumatic injuries are another frequent cause. Blunt force trauma, such as from a car accident or a fall, or penetrating wounds like stab or gunshot injuries, can puncture the lung or chest wall, allowing air to escape into the pleural space.
Some medical procedures carry a risk, including lung biopsies, central line insertions, or even the use of mechanical ventilation. Rapid changes in air pressure, such as those experienced during scuba diving or flying at high altitudes, can also contribute to a pneumothorax. Vigorous activities like intense coughing can trigger a collapsed lung, particularly if pre-existing weakened areas are present in the lung tissue.
Immediate Steps and Medical Confirmation
A collapsed lung is a medical emergency requiring immediate professional evaluation. If you or someone experiences sudden, sharp chest pain with difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care without delay. Self-treatment is not advisable, as it can worsen the situation.
Upon arrival at a medical facility, healthcare professionals will typically begin with a physical examination. They will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope, and if a collapsed lung is present, breath sounds on the affected side may be diminished or absent. This initial assessment guides further diagnostic steps.
The primary method for confirming a collapsed lung is a chest X-ray. This imaging technique can clearly show the presence of air in the pleural space and indicate the extent of the lung’s collapse. In some cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed to provide a more detailed view of the lungs and chest cavity, especially if the X-ray results are unclear or if the medical team needs to assess the severity more precisely.
An ultrasound may also be used as a diagnostic tool. Blood tests can measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, offering further insight into lung function. The specific course of treatment will depend on the cause, size, and severity of the collapsed lung.