Pneumothorax

Alternative names:

collapse of the lung; lung collapse

Symptoms:

• sudden chest pain
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness
• easy fatigue
• rapid heart rate
• bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

Note: Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• nasal flaring
• breathing, absent temporarily
• anxiety, stress, and tension
• abdominal pain

Signs and tests:

Stethoscope examination of the chest reveals decreased breath sounds on the affected side.

Tests include:

• chest X-ray to determine presence of air outside the lung
• arterial blood gases