Spontaneous pneumothorax is a collection of air around the lung that causes it to collapse. It is caused by a small weak spot inside the lung that ruptures, allowing air to leak into the area surrounding the lung. This air pushes against the lung, so it cannot expand as much as normal during breathing.
In most cases the pneumothorax only affects one side of the lung, but it can affect both sides.
Would you like to schedule an appointment with Pediatric Surgery?
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax?
The symptoms can vary depending on the size of the pneumothorax. They may include:
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Back or shoulder pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heart rate
- Tiring easily
What causes pneumothorax?
There is often no known cause for pneumothorax. Tall teenage boys have an increased risk for the condition, possibly due to rapid growth in the chest area.
How is pneumothorax treated?
Treatments for pneumothorax can depend on the size of the pneumothorax and how severe your child’s symptoms are. A small pneumothorax may not need any treatment. Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for pneumothorax.
- Needle aspiration is a procedure to pull the air out of the chest using a small needle.
- A chest tube may be inserted to drain the air from the space around the lungs.
- Supplemental oxygen may help improve symptoms.
- If symptoms are severe or do not respond to other treatment, your child may need surgery. The goal of the surgery is to remove the weak areas from the lung. In many cases, the surgeons at Connecticut Children’s perform this operation using minimally invasive techniques, using two to four small incisions.