Pneumothorax

A pneumothorax is defined as a collection of air between the lung and the chest wall. It can occur spontaneously without lung disease (primary spontaneous pneumothorax) or with underlying lung disease (secondary spontaneous pneumothorax). Trauma, iatrogenic complications of medical procedures and catamenial pneumothorax are other recognized causes. Breathlessness and chest pain are common symptoms. Chest X-ray is the most important investigation to detect and monitor a pneumothorax. Computed tomography of the chest has been widely used as it provides information about the underlying cause and helps to guide intervention.

Source: Medicine - October 28, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Beenish Iqbal, Rob Hallifax Tags: Other disorders of the lung Source Type: research