What Leads To Signs Of Lung Collapse
Discover the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for lung collapse (pneumothorax). Learn how to recognise warning signs and when to seek urgent medical care.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS
Last updated on 16th Sep, 2025
Introduction
A lung collapse, medically known as a pneumothorax, is a serious and often alarming medical condition where air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of your lung, making it collapse. It can be a partial or complete collapse, leading to significant breathing difficulties. Understanding the causes of a collapsed lung is the first step towards prevention and seeking timely medical help. This article will demystify the various factors—from underlying lung diseases to sudden injuries—that can lead to this condition. We'll explore the common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and the crucial steps for treatment. If you ever experience a sudden, sharp chest pain or severe shortness of breath, it's vital to seek emergency care immediately.
Understanding the Mechanics of a Lung Collapse
What is a Pneumothorax?
Your lungs are surrounded by a two-layered membrane called the pleura. The space between these layers (the pleural space) contains a small amount of fluid to help the lungs expand and contract smoothly. A pneumothorax occurs when air enters this pleural space. This abnormal air build-up creates pressure, preventing the lung from expanding fully when you inhale, effectively causing it to deflate.
The Different Types of Lung Collapse
Not all lung collapses are the same. They are primarily categorised based on their cause:
- Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP): This occurs in people with no known history of lung disease. It's often caused by the rupture of a small air-filled sac (bleb) on the lung's surface.
- Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SSP): This happens as a complication of an existing chronic lung disease, making it a more serious medical event.
- Traumatic Pneumothorax: This results from a blunt or penetrating injury to the chest, such as a rib fracture from a car accident or a stab wound.
- Tension Pneumothorax: This is a life-threatening medical emergency. Air enters the pleural space but cannot escape, building up so much pressure that it can push the heart and major blood vessels to the opposite side of the chest (mediastinal shift), leading to catastrophic circulatory collapse.
Primary Causes and Risk Factors of a Collapsed Lung
1. Underlying Lung Diseases (Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax)
This is one of the most common causes of collapsed lung in adults with pre-existing conditions. The diseased lung tissue is weaker and more prone to tearing.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, COPD is the leading cause of SSP. The damaged, over-inflated air sacs are fragile and can easily rupture.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This genetic disorder leads to thick, sticky mucus that can block airways and damage lung tissue, creating areas vulnerable to air leaks.
- Pneumonia: Severe infections, particularly certain types like Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, can cause necrosis (death) of lung tissue, leading to a leak.
- Lung Cancer: Tumours can erode into the pleural space, allowing air to escape. A spontaneous pneumothorax can sometimes be the first sign of an undiagnosed lung tumour.
- Asthma: While less common, severe, uncontrolled asthma can lead to a pneumothorax.
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
2. Trauma and Injury (Traumatic Pneumothorax)
Any significant impact to the chest can puncture the lung or the chest wall itself.
- Blunt Force Trauma: Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can fracture ribs. A sharp fragment of a broken rib can tear the lung tissue or the pleura.
- Penetrating Trauma: Stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or any object that pierces the chest cavity can directly allow air to enter the pleural space.
- Medical Procedures: Iatrogenic causes (caused by medical examination or treatment) are also common.
These can include:
- Lung biopsy
- Central line placement (into a large vein near the neck)
- Mechanical ventilation (where high pressure can over-inflate and rupture a lung)
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can sometimes fracture ribs.
3. Ruptured Air Blisters (Blebs/Bullae) - Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
This type affects otherwise healthy individuals, typically tall, thin young men between 20 and 40 years of age. The exact reason for lung collapse in these cases is often the rupture of small, balloon-like blebs on the top of the lungs. These blebs are present from birth but are usually asymptomatic until they suddenly break open, often during activities like scuba diving, flying, or even without any obvious trigger.
4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- Smoking: This is the single biggest modifiable risk factor. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of both primary and secondary pneumothorax by causing inflammation and weakening lung tissue.
- Drug Use: Inhalation of drugs like cocaine or marijuana has been linked to pneumothorax.
- High-Altitude Activities: Scuba diving and flying at high altitudes can cause pressure changes that may lead to bleb rupture.
Recognising the Symptoms: Early Warning Signs
Knowing the symptoms of pneumothorax can be life-saving. They often begin suddenly.
- Sudden, Sharp Chest Pain: Typically on one side, often described as "stabbing." The pain may radiate to the shoulder or back.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnoea): This can range from mild to severe, depending on the size of the collapse.
- Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia): The body's response to low oxygen levels.
- Cough: A dry, hacking cough may be present.
- Cyanosis: A bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails due to lack of oxygen.
Fatigue and Lightheadedness.
A tension pneumothorax will also cause:
- Severe respiratory distress.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Distended neck veins.
- Deviation of the trachea (windpipe) to one side.
If you or someone else experiences these severe symptoms, call for emergency medical help immediately.
Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways
How is a Collapsed Lung Diagnosed?
If a pneumothorax is suspected, a doctor will first use a stethoscope to listen for absent or decreased breath sounds on one side. The diagnosis is confirmed with imaging:
- Chest X-ray: The standard first test, which clearly shows the edge of the collapsed lung and the air-filled pleural space.
- CT Scan: Provides a more detailed image and is useful for identifying small blebs, bullae, or underlying lung disease that might not be visible on an X-ray.
Common Treatment Options for Lung Collapse
The treatment for a collapsed lung depends on its size, severity, and cause.
- Observation and Oxygen: For a very small, stable primary pneumothorax, the body may reabsorb the air on its own with supplemental oxygen and close monitoring in a hospital.
- Needle Aspiration or Chest Tube Insertion: For a larger collapse, a doctor must remove the air. A needle or, more commonly, a flexible chest tube is inserted between the ribs into the pleural space. The tube is connected to a suction device to re-expand the lung and is left in place for a few days.
- Surgery (Pleurodesis or Wedge Resection): For recurrent collapses, surgery is often recommended. The surgeon may remove the blebs or bullae (wedge resection) and/or create inflammation between the lung and chest wall (pleurodesis) so they stick together, eliminating the space where air can accumulate.
Conclusion
A collapsed lung is a significant health event that demands prompt attention. While it can be a frightening diagnosis, understanding its causes and risk factors—such as smoking, underlying lung conditions, and certain physical activities—empowers you to take preventive steps. The most important action you can take is to listen to your body. Never ignore sudden, unexplained chest pain or breathing difficulties. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a full recovery and to prevent complications. If you have a chronic lung condition or have experienced a pneumothorax before, work closely with your pulmonologist to manage your health and understand your personal risks. If your condition does not improve after trying conservative methods, or if you experience severe symptoms, book a physical visit to a doctor for further evaluation.
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Gomathi R G
Respiratory Medicine/ Covid Consult
7 Years • MBBS, MD (TB & Pul. Med.)
Chennai
Apollo First Med Hospitals P H Road, Chennai
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Gomathi R G
Respiratory Medicine/ Covid Consult
7 Years • MBBS, MD (TB & Pul. Med.)
Chennai
Apollo First Med Hospitals P H Road, Chennai
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a partially collapsed lung heal on its own?
Yes, a very small, uncomplicated pneumothorax may heal on its own with strict rest and supplemental oxygen. However, this must be managed under close medical supervision in a hospital to ensure it doesn't worsen.
What does the pain from a collapsed lung feel like?
The pain is typically sudden, sharp, and stabbing, located on one side of the chest. It often radiates to the shoulder or back on the same side and may worsen when you take a deep breath or cough.
Are there any long-term effects after a collapsed lung?
Most people recover fully with no long-term effects if treated properly. However, those with underlying lung disease may have a recurrence. Surgery (pleurodesis) is highly effective at preventing future collapses.
Can you prevent a spontaneous pneumothorax?
If you have known blebs or bullae, you cannot always prevent a rupture. However, you can drastically reduce your risk by not smoking and avoiding activities that cause significant pressure changes (like scuba diving) if you are in a high-risk group.
How long is recovery after treatment for a collapsed lung?
Recovery time varies. After a chest tube is removed, you may need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks. Recovery from surgery may take a bit longer. Your doctor will provide a personalised timeline based on your situation.