This causes the lung to partially or completely collapse, hence the condition’s other name: collapsed lung.
In the United States, 5 million people are treated for it each year.
In the past, it occurred most frequently in conjunction with tuberculosis.
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Today, smoking is by far the greatest risk factor.
A small pneumothorax may even go unnoticed, since it is not always accompanied by symptoms.
If you develop any symptoms of pneumothorax, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.
In some cases, it can be a life-threatening emergency.
Causes
Pneumothorax can be triggered by a number of diseases and conditions.
This condition comes up whenever endometrial tissue becomes attached to the thorax and forms cysts.
The cysts can release blood and air that enter the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse.
Smokingis the most significant risk factor for spontaneous pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can alsorun in families.
Sometimes the cause of the pneumothorax may be impossible to determine.
There is no way to prevent a pneumothorax, but you could reduce your risk by not smoking.
However, a large pneumothorax will require hospitalization.
If the pneumothorax recurs, video-assistedthoracic surgerymay be required.
Inserting the tube or needle can be painful, so you may receive painkillers by IV or regional anesthesia.
You may also be given antibiotics to prevent infections.
You also should not fly or scuba dive for two weeks following discharge from a hospital after being treated.
If you have a history of recurrent pneumothorax, always use caution when engaging in these activities.
The risk of having another pneumothorax is highest in the first 30 days after your first occurrence.
Over the next year, the risk of having another also remains higher than normal.
Estimates of recurrence vary from 20% to up to 60% during the first three years.
The good news is that once a pneumothorax has healed, there are usually no long-term complications.
Its important to remember that, while its a serious condition, it is highly treatable.
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