Spontaneous pneumothorax

Definition:

A collection of air or gas in the chest causing the lung to collapse (see also pneumothorax).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In spontaneous pneumothorax, there may be no underlying cause, or it may be caused by a rupture of a bleb or bullae (a small air or fluid filled sac in the lung). The disease affects tall, thin men between 20 and 40 years old most frequently. Cigarette smoking and a family history of pneumothorax are contributing factors. A previous history of asthma, emphysema, pneumothorax , rapid ascent to high altitude, or histiocytosis (a rare disease caused by an overgrowth of a type of tissue cell called a histiocyte) are risk factors. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people.