Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is air in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall. It can disrupt the pressure that keeps the lung expanded, causing partial or complete collapse.

Pleural cavity: The thin potential space between the visceral and parietal pleura surrounding each lung. Air enters this normally sealed space in a pneumothorax.
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax: A spontaneous pneumothorax occurring without known underlying lung disease. It often begins when a small subpleural bleb ruptures.
Chest radiography: Imaging that uses X-rays to produce pictures of the chest and its organs. It commonly reveals a visible pleural line and absent lung markings beyond it.
Pleural effusion: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. It occupies the same space as pneumothorax, but with fluid rather than air.
Intrapleural pressure: The pressure within the pleural space, normally lower than the pressure inside the lungs during quiet breathing. Air in the pleural space reduces the pressure difference that holds the lung open.
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: A spontaneous pneumothorax in a person with underlying lung disease. Limited respiratory reserve can make even a small collapse more serious.
Lung ultrasound: Bedside ultrasound examination of the pleural surfaces and lung movement. Absent lung sliding can support diagnosis, especially in urgent care.
Hemothorax: An accumulation of blood in the pleural space, usually after injury or disease. It can follow the same chest trauma but involves bleeding instead of pleural air.
Tension pneumothorax: A pneumothorax in which trapped air raises pressure in the chest and impairs breathing and circulation. A one-way air leak can turn a pneumothorax into this rapidly dangerous form.
Traumatic pneumothorax: A pneumothorax caused by blunt or penetrating injury to the chest. Chest trauma can damage the lung or chest wall and introduce air.

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