Pneumothorax

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

A pneumothorax is a collapsed lung. The condition occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall. A blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures, or lung disease can cause a pneumothorax.

Symptoms

Symptoms include shortness of breath.

Treatments

When a pneumothorax is large, a needle or tube is used to remove excess air.