MamasHealth.com Home Lung Diseases and Illnesses ARDS Asbestosis Asthma Black Lung Disease Bronchiectasis Bronchitis Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Brown Lung Disease Chronic Beryllium Control Asthma COPD Cystic Fibrosis Emphysema Farmer's Lung Histoplasmosis Kartagener's Syndrome Lung Cancer Partial Lung Collapse Pleurisy Pneumothorax Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary Fibrosis Silicosis Tuberculosis Links Email Mama Prevent CO poisoning A child's personal story about their battle with asthma Health benefits of sex Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What is a Pneumothorax? A pneumothorax is collection of air or gas in space surrounding the lungs. The space surrounding the lungs is called pleural space. Pleural space is lined by a smooth membrane called pleura. The pleura normally are in contact with each other, but they can become separated when air, fluid or blood collects between them. A pneumothorax is also called: collapsed lung, air around the lung, and air outside the lung. Types of Pneumothorax?  There are several types of pneumothorax. The types are classified by cause. Spontaneous pneumothorax is characterized by the occurrence of pneumothorax without a clear cause. Cigarette smoking and family history are contributing factors to spontaneous pneumothorax. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when there is no known underlying lung disease. It is thought to be caused by the rupture of a small, air-filled sac in the lung called a bleb or a bulla. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax Is a complication of underlying lung disease, such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. Traumatic pneumothorax Is caused by a traumatic injury to the chest. The injury might be caused by a stab wound, gunshot,blow from a motor vehicle accident. Tension pneumothorax Is caused when excessive pressure builds up around the lung, forcing it to collapse. The excessive pressure can also prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to shock. Symptoms of Pneumothorax Common symptoms of pneumothorax are: sudden sharp chest pain shortness of breath chest tightness easy fatigue rapid heart rate bluish color of the skin Can Pneumothorax be Treated? Yes. Treatment often involves removal of the air from the pleural space. When air is removed, the lung is able to to re-expand. Surgery may be needed to prevent recurrent episodes.	Featured Book
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