Pneumothorax PowerPoint Free Infographics

Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Essential Insights

1. What Is Pneumothorax?
   Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space, leading to partial or complete lung collapse. It can be spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic (from medical procedures), and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.
2. Types of Pneumothorax
   The main types include:
   • Primary Spontaneous (no underlying lung disease)
   • Secondary Spontaneous (linked to COPD, asthma, etc.)
   • Tension Pneumothorax (life-threatening due to trapped air pressure)
   • Traumatic and Iatrogenic (from injury or medical intervention)
3. Major Risk Factors
   Key risk factors include smoking, tall, thin body types, genetic predisposition, lung disease, mechanical ventilation, and male sex (male-to-female ratio up to 5:1). Peak incidence is in ages 20–30 (PSP) and 60–65 (SSP).
4. Clinical Signs & Symptoms
   Common symptoms include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, cyanosis, tachycardia, and decreased breath sounds. Severe cases may present with tracheal deviation, hypotension, or respiratory failure.
5. Diagnostic Methods
   Pneumothorax is diagnosed using chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. Physical exams may reveal hyperresonance, reduced chest expansion, and asymmetrical breath sounds.
6. Differential Diagnoses to Consider
   Conditions with similar presentations include pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, pleural effusion, pericarditis, and pneumonia. Proper imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis.
7. Treatment Options
   Management depends on severity and type:
   • Observation for small, stable cases
   • Needle aspiration or chest tube insertion for moderate cases
   • Surgical options (e.g., thoracostomy, pleurodesis) for recurrent or severe cases
8. Recurrence and Prognosis
   Recurrence rates range from 20–60%, often within the first year. PSP has a lower risk, while SSP recurrence is more common and more dangerous due to underlying diseases.
9. Complications of Pneumothorax
   Complications can include re-expansion pulmonary edema, pneumopericardium, infection, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest, especially in tension pneumothorax.
10. Gender & Epidemiology Data
    Pneumothorax affects males 3 to 6 times more often than females. In the U.S., PSP incidence is 7.4–18 per 100,000 males vs. 1.2–6 per 100,000 females, with higher risk in young adults and smokers.