What is secondary pneumothorax?
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) occurs in people with a wide variety of parenchymal lung diseases. These individuals have underlying pulmonary pathology that alters normal lung structure (see the image below). Air enters the pleural space via distended, damaged, or compromised alveoli.
What causes secondary spontaneous pneumothorax?
While primary spontaneous pneumothorax is not associated with underlying pulmonary disease, secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with, but not limited to, the following: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Asthma. Cystic fibrosis.
What causes spontaneous tension pneumothorax?
Blunt trauma, with or without associated rib fractures, and incidents such as unrestrained head-on motor vehicle accidents, falls, and altercations involving laterally directed blows may also cause tension pneumothoraces.
How is secondary pneumothorax treated?
Most patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) are treated with supplemental oxygen and removal of air from the pleural space, typically by chest tube thoracostomy. Patients also typically undergo a definitive procedure to prevent recurrence during the same hospitalization.
How do you prevent pneumothorax recurrence?
Strategies for the prevention of recurrent pneumothorax include observation, surgical and nonsurgical pleurodesis, and bleb resection. Other important points to keep in mind include the following: Prompt recognition and treatment of bronchopulmonary infections decreases the risk of progression to a pneumothorax.
How serious is a spontaneous pneumothorax?
Symptoms usually include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. On some occasions, a collapsed lung can be a life-threatening event. Treatment for a pneumothorax usually involves inserting a needle or chest tube between the ribs to remove the excess air. However, a small pneumothorax may heal on its own.
Is spontaneous pneumothorax considered a lung disease?
What is spontaneous pneumothorax? A spontaneous pneumothorax is the sudden onset of a collapsed lung without any apparent cause, such as a traumatic injury to the chest or a known lung disease. A collapsed lung is caused by the collection of air in the space around the lungs.