Concept and Etiology: Pneumothorax refers to air in the pleural
cavity (Story, 2018). It can be related to other medical
situations occurring in the body, reaction to a procedure being
performed, or by traumatic event.
Classification: Pneumothorax is categorized in four
classifications. Primary, secondary, iatrogenic, or traumatic.
Primary occur mostly in young, tall, thin males. Secondary
occurs when there are underlying lung abnormalities. Iatrogenic
is commonly caused by procedures such as central vein
cannulation, pleural tap or biopsies, needle aspirations, and
even acupuncture. Traumatic is through direct injury to the
thorax such as penetrating chest or fractured rib lacerating the
pleura (Currie et al., 2007).
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms and Signs): Manifestations
vary and include sudden chest pain over affected lung, chest
tightness, dyspnea, tachypnoea, decreased breath sounds in
affected lung, asymmetrical chest movement, trachea and
mediastinum deviation, anxiety, tachycardia, pallor, and
hypotension (Story, 2018).
Diagnostic Tests: Diagnostics include physical examination,
imaging such as chest x-ray, CT, and ABGs (Story, 2018).
Currie, G. P., Alluri, R., Christie, G. L., & Legge, J. S. (2007).
Pneumothorax: an update. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 83(981),
461–465. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.2007.056978
Story, L. (2018). Pathophysiology: a practical approach (3rd ed.). Jones
& Bartlett Learning.
