Pneumothorax
The lungs are covered by a membrane: the pleura. A Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleura, between the lung and chest wall. It commonly happens when the chest wall or lung is punctured by trauma or a medical procedure. It may also result from an underlying lung disease (spontaneous pneumothorax) for no apparent reason.
Symptoms can include:
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Shortness of breath
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Sharp and sudden chest pain
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Fatigue
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Palpitations
A small pneumothorax may only require bed rest. A larger pneumothorax, especially if associated with shortness of breath, may be treated with aspiration of the air by placing needle or a chest tube for drainage, or even surgery.