A collapsed lung, medically known as a pneumothorax, occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of your lung, causing it to deflate partially or completely. This condition requires prompt medical attention.
Understanding a Collapsed Lung
The human lung is encased by two thin, moist membranes called pleura. One layer, the visceral pleura, covers the lung surface, while the other, the parietal pleura, lines the inside of the chest wall. The narrow gap between these two layers is called the pleural space, which normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid, allowing the lungs to expand and contract smoothly during breathing.
A collapsed lung develops when air enters this pleural space. This can happen through a hole in the lung itself or through an opening in the chest wall. As air accumulates in this confined space, it creates pressure that pushes against the lung, preventing it from fully inflating and impairing its ability to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
Key Signs and Symptoms
Sudden, sharp chest pain is a common indicator of a collapsed lung. This pain typically occurs on one side of the chest, corresponding to the affected lung, and can worsen with deep breaths or coughing. Individuals often describe this sensation as a sudden, stabbing discomfort that limits their ability to fully expand their chest.
Shortness of breath is another prominent symptom that usually develops rapidly. This feeling can range from mild breathlessness to severe difficulty breathing, depending on the extent of the lung collapse. Even with minimal physical exertion, a person might find themselves gasping for air or struggling to catch their breath.
The body’s response to reduced oxygen and the effort to breathe can lead to a rapid heart rate. The heart attempts to compensate for the diminished lung function by pumping blood more quickly. Similarly, rapid breathing often occurs as the body tries to increase oxygen intake, resulting in shallow and accelerated breaths.
A persistent cough may also accompany these symptoms. Individuals might also experience a distinct feeling of tightness or pressure within their chest. While the intensity of these symptoms can vary, even mild discomfort or shortness of breath should prompt an immediate medical evaluation.
Common Causes of Lung Collapse
A collapsed lung can occur without any apparent external cause, known as spontaneous pneumothorax. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax happens in individuals without any known underlying lung disease, often linked to the rupture of small air-filled sacs, or blebs, on the lung surface. These blebs are more common in tall, thin individuals and smokers.
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax develops in people who have pre-existing lung conditions that weaken lung tissue. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent cause due to damaged air sacs. Other conditions like severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, and certain lung infections can also increase the risk.
Traumatic pneumothorax results from physical injury to the chest. This can include blunt force trauma, such as from a car accident or a fall, which might cause a rib fracture that punctures the lung. Penetrating wounds, like stab wounds or gunshot wounds, create an opening for air to enter the chest.
A collapsed lung can also be a complication of medical procedures, known as iatrogenic pneumothorax. This can occur during procedures that involve inserting needles or tubes into the chest or near the lungs. Examples include lung biopsies or the insertion of a central venous catheter into a large vein in the chest.
What to Do If You Suspect a Collapsed Lung
If you or someone experiences sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, especially with rapid heart rate or breathing, seek immediate medical attention. A suspected collapsed lung is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment, as the condition can worsen quickly.
Call emergency services or proceed directly to the nearest emergency room. Upon arrival at a medical facility, healthcare providers will perform a physical examination and may use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. A chest X-ray is commonly used to visualize the air in the pleural space and assess the extent of the lung collapse.
A computed tomography (CT) scan may also be performed to provide a more detailed view of the lung and identify any underlying causes. Treatment approaches vary based on the size of the collapse and the severity of symptoms. Small pneumothoraces might be managed with observation and supplemental oxygen, allowing the air to reabsorb naturally.
For larger collapses, procedures like needle aspiration or chest tube insertion might be necessary. A chest tube is placed into the pleural space to continuously drain air and allow the lung to re-expand. In some cases, surgery may be considered for recurrent collapsed lungs or those that do not respond to other treatments.