What are the symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax?

From the Guidelines

Symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax are typically characterized by sudden onset of sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.

Common Symptoms

• Sudden onset of sharp chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Management

The management of spontaneous pneumothorax depends on the size of the pneumothorax and the presence of symptoms.

• Small pneumothoraces with minimal symptoms may be managed conservatively with observation alone 1
• Larger pneumothoraces or those with significant symptoms may require intervention such as needle aspiration or intercostal chest drain insertion 1

Specific Considerations

• Primary pneumothoraces are more likely to be successfully treated with simple aspiration than secondary pneumothoraces 1
• Secondary pneumothoraces, particularly those with large pneumothoraces or significant symptoms, may require more aggressive management such as tube drainage 1
• Patients with secondary pneumothoraces should be admitted to hospital for observation and active treatment of the underlying lung disorder 1

From the Research

Symptoms of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

The symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax include:

• Chest pain 2, 3, 4
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) 2, 3
• Sharp sudden pains in the chest 4

Diagnosis and Presentation

Spontaneous pneumothorax can be diagnosed using:

• Chest X-ray 2, 3, 4
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan 2, 4
• Ultrasonography 4
• Physical exam 4

Types of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax can be divided into:

• Primary pneumothorax: occurs without an apparent cause and in the absence of significant lung disease 2
• Secondary pneumothorax: occurs in the presence of existing lung pathology 2
• Tension pneumothorax: a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment 2