Pneumothorax Treatment in Delhi | Collapsed Lung Specialist

Pneumothorax (Lung Rupture)

Pneumothorax refers to the presence of air in the pleural space – the area between the lungs and the chest wall. The air buildup causes the lung on that side to collapse partially or completely, which can severely affect your breathing. It is commonly known as a “collapsed lung”.

Types and Causes of Pneumothorax:

Spontaneous Pneumothorax – It occurs without any injury. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in healthy individuals, often tall, thin young males, often due to rupture of small air blisters. On the other hand, secondary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in people with pre – existing lung diseases such as COPD, Asthma, TB, Cystic fibrosis, Interstitial lung disease.
Traumatic Pneumothorax – It happens due to blunt or penetrating chest trauma, rib fractures or gunshot wounds.
Iatrogenic Pneumothorax – It is caused during medical procedures such as lung biopsy, central line insertion, mechanical ventilation, Thoracentesis.
Tension Pneumothorax – It happens when the air keeps entering the pleural space but can’t escape. It increases the pressure in the chest and compresses the lungs and heart. It can be life threatening if not treated immediately.

Symptoms of Pneumothorax

Sudden sharp chest pain (often one sided)
Shortness of breath
Rapid heart rate
Fatigue
Cyanosis (bluish lips/skin, in severe cases)
Decreased neck veins and low blood pressure

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination:

Decreased or absent breath sounds on one side
Hyper-resonant sound on percussion
Tracheal deviation (in tension pneumothorax)

Imaging:

Chest X-ray – confirms air in pleural space, collapsed lung
Ultrasound – especially in emergency or ICU settings
CT chest – for complicated or small pneumothorax

Treatment of Pneumothorax

Treatment depends on the type, size, and severity of the pneumothorax.

Observation

For small, stable spontaneous pneumothorax in healthy individuals. Supplemental oxygen may speed up the air resorption.

Needle Aspiration

Insertion of a needle to remove air in mild-to-moderate cases.

Chest Tube Insertion (Intercostal Drainage)

It is for moderate to large pneumothorax or in patients with symptoms. A tube is placed in the pleural space to evacuate the air continuously.

Emergency Decompression (for Tension Pneumothorax)

It is the immediate needle decompression in 2nd intercostal space followed by chest tube placement.

Surgical Treatment (if recurrent or persistent)

Pleurodesis, sticking lung to chest wall to prevent recurrence. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is performed to remove the blebs or seal leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can pneumothorax go away on its own?

Yes, small and asymptomatic pneumothorax can resolve on its own with observation and oxygen. But others require medical intervention.

2. What activities should I avoid after a pneumothorax?

You should avoid air travel until fully recovered (usually 2 – 3 weeks), avoid scuba diving permanently unless surgical treatment has been done, and heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks.

3. Can Pneumothorax happen again?

Yes, there is 30 – 50% chance of recurrence, especially in spontaneous pneumothorax. Preventive surgery like pleurodesis reduces the recurrence.

4. Is surgery always required for pneumothorax?

No, not always surgery is required if there are recurrent episodes, persistent air leaks, bilateral pneumothorax and professional divers/pilots.