Spontaneous pneumothorax

Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to remove the air from the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand. Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own.

Aspiration of air through a Teflon catheter to a vacuum bottle may reexpand the lung.

The placement of a chest tube between the ribs into the pleural space allows the evacuation of air from the pleural space when simple aspiration is not successful, or the pneumothorax is large. Re-expansion of the lung may take several days with the chest tube left in place. Hospitalization is required for chest tube management.

Surgery may be indicated for recurrent episodes.

Patients should discontinue smoking and avoid high altitudes, scuba diving, or flying in unpressurized aircraft to prevent the recurrence of pneumothorax.

Expectations (prognosis):

Up to half of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax experience recurrence, but there are no long-term complications following successful therapy.

Complications:

Spontaneous pneumothorax can recur.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if severe shortness of breath develops.

Call your health care provider if you have had a spontaneous pneumothorax and reexperience the same or similar symptoms.