Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment
Learn about pneumothorax (collapsed lung), its symptoms, types, causes, and treatment options. Understand how this condition affects breathing and when to seek urgent medical care.
Written by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS, Advanced Certificate Course in Dermatology
Last updated on 13th Jan, 2026
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pneumothorax, you might be feeling worried or confused. But don’t worry, this guide will help you understand what pneumothorax is, its symptoms, causes, and how it can be treated.
What is Pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax, often called a collapsed lung, happens when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall (called the pleural space). This air buildup puts pressure on the lung, making it collapse partially or fully.
While pneumothorax can be serious, many cases are treatable, and people recover well with proper care.
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Symptoms of Pneumothorax
The signs of pneumothorax can vary depending on how much the lung has collapsed. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, sharp chest pain (usually on one side)
- Shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue or dizziness
- A dry cough
- Bluish skin (in severe cases, due to lack of oxygen)
If you experience these symptoms, especially sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Types of Pneumothorax
There are different types of pneumothorax, each with different causes:
1. Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP):
- Occurs in healthy people, usually tall, thin young men.
- Caused by a small air blister (bleb) on the lung bursting.
- Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SSP):
- Happens in people with existing lung diseases like COPD, asthma, or infections like pneumonia.
- More serious because the lungs are already weakened.
2. Traumatic Pneumothorax
- Caused by an injury to the chest, such as a car accident, fall, or stab wound.
- Can also happen after medical procedures like lung biopsies or mechanical ventilation.
3. Tension Pneumothorax (Medical Emergency!)
- The most dangerous type, where air keeps building up and pressing on the heart and other lung.
- include severe breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, and shock.
- Requires immediate medical treatment.
What Causes Pneumothorax?
Several factors can lead to pneumothorax:
- Lung diseases (COPD, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis)
- Injury to the chest (car accidents, rib fractures)
- Smoking (increases the risk of lung blebs)
- Genetic conditions (like Marfan syndrome)
- Medical procedures (lung surgery, ventilator use)
How is Pneumothorax Diagnosed?
Doctors use different tests to confirm pneumothorax:
- Chest X-ray – Shows if the lung has collapsed.
- CT scan – Provides a more detailed image of the lungs.
- Ultrasound – Sometimes used in emergencies.
If you suspect pneumothorax, don’t delay, visit a doctor or emergency room right away.
Treatment Options for Pneumothorax
Treatment depends on the severity:
1. Small Pneumothorax (Mild Cases)
- May heal on its own with rest.
- Doctor may monitor with follow-up X-rays.
2. Moderate to Severe Pneumothorax
- Needle aspiration or chest tube: A thin tube is inserted to remove air and help the lung re-expand.
- Surgery (for recurring cases):
- Pleurodesis: A procedure to stick the lung to the chest wall to prevent future collapses.
- VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery): A minimally invasive surgery to repair lung leaks.
3. Emergency Treatment for Tension Pneumothorax
- Immediate needle decompression to release trapped air.
Recovery and Prevention Tips
If you’ve had pneumothorax, follow these steps for a smooth recovery:
- Avoid smoking – Smoking increases the risk of recurrence.
- Limit air travel & scuba diving – Changes in air pressure can trigger another collapse.
- Follow doctor’s advice – Attend follow-up appointments and take prescribed medications.
- Stay active but avoid heavy lifting – Gentle exercise helps lung recovery.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience:
- Sudden chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish lips or skin
Seek emergency care immediately!
For those with a history of pneumothorax or lung disease, regular check-ups are important.
Need Expert Advice?
If you suspect pneumothorax or need a consultation, you can book an appointment with a lung specialist (pulmonologist) through Apollo 24|7. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Final Thoughts
Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, is a potentially serious condition that requires timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. Understanding its symptoms, types, and causes is essential for early recognition and effective treatment. While some cases may resolve on their own, others require procedures such as chest tube insertion or surgery.
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Dr. Ashwin K Mani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
22 Years • AB (Int.Med), AB (Pulmology), AB (Critical care Med.)
Chennai
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(100+ Patients)
Dr. Arjun Ramaswamy
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9 Years • MD (RESPIRATORY MEDICINE), DM (PULMONARY MEDICINE, CRITICAL CARE AND SLEEP MEDICINE)
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(75+ Patients)
Dr. Sumara Maqbool
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB Respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, DrNB superspeciality Critical care, IDCCM, IFCCM, EDIC
Delhi
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(25+ Patients)
Dr. Krishna Ramanathan
Ent Specialist
10 Years • MBBS DNB
Bengaluru
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Dr Vishwa Vijeth K.
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8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Respiratory Medicine)
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Dr. Ashwin K Mani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
22 Years • AB (Int.Med), AB (Pulmology), AB (Critical care Med.)
Chennai
Apollo First Med Hospitals P H Road, Chennai
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Arjun Ramaswamy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MD (RESPIRATORY MEDICINE), DM (PULMONARY MEDICINE, CRITICAL CARE AND SLEEP MEDICINE)
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Sumara Maqbool
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB Respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, DrNB superspeciality Critical care, IDCCM, IFCCM, EDIC
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Krishna Ramanathan
Ent Specialist
10 Years • MBBS DNB
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Vishwa Vijeth K.
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Respiratory Medicine)
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore