Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)

When air fills the space between your lung and chest wall (pleural cavity), it can cause all or part of your lung to collapse. The main cause of this is an injury to the chest cavity that punctures the lungs. Damage may result from a stab or gunshot wound, car accident, fall, or certain surgeries. In some cases, it happens without a clear cause (spontaneous). 

Front view of male chest showing partially collapsed right lung.

You're more likely to have spontaneous collapsed lung if you smoke or have a chronic lung disease, such as emphysema.

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

Serious collapsed lung can be fatal if not treated. Call 911 for a bad chest wound or any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden, sharp chest pain that may spread to your shoulder or back

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

  • A bluish color to the skin

  • Loss of consciousness or feeling faint with any of the above symptoms

What to expect in the ER

  • You will be examined carefully.

  • Your lungs and heart will be listened to through a stethoscope.

  • You may have X-rays or a CT scan. A CT scan combines X-rays and computer scans to provide detailed pictures of your lungs.

  • You will be given help with breathing if you need it.

Treatment

  • If the collapsed lung is small, you may stay in the ER for 5 to 6 hours to see if it gets any worse. If it does not get worse, you may be sent home without treatment and told to follow up with your regular healthcare provider.

  • If the collapsed lung needs treatment, the provider may use a needle fit into the chest wall to suction extra air out of the pleural cavity. Or the provider may place a small catheter or a larger tube into your chest to better remove air from the pleural cavity. This is done at the bedside, and you will be given local anesthesia. If a larger tube is used, it is attached to a suction device that removes the air. Depending on the type of suction device, you may be able to return home to continue the suction and keep track of your condition there. Or you may be admitted to the hospital for a few days while the lung re-expands. If a small catheter was used to remove the air, it may be removed before you go home. If you are allowed to go home, you will be watched in the emergency room for 4 to 6 hours first to see if the collapsed lung gets worse during that time.

After treatment, you will be told what to do to care for yourself and when to follow up with your healthcare provider.