What are the main signs of pneumothorax?

Written by Hao Ze Rui
Pulmonology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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If it is a small amount of pneumothorax, the physical signs are generally not obvious, especially when patients with emphysema develop pneumothorax, it is difficult to detect any signs. However, when a larger amount of pneumothorax occurs, inspection will reveal that the affected side of the chest is bulging and respiratory movements are reduced. Upon palpation, the trachea usually shifts towards the healthy side, tactile fremitus on the affected side is reduced, percussion results in hyperresonance or tympany, and auscultation shows reduced breath sounds, which can disappear in severe cases.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Pneumothorax, which department should it go to?

Which department is better for pneumothorax treatment? There isn't a strict definition dictating which specific department one must visit for pneumothorax. Generally, you can visit the respiratory department or the cardiothoracic surgery department. If the patient's condition is very severe, then the first choice should be the emergency department, where emergency treatment can be provided before further referral.

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Written by Li Ying
Pulmonology
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How many days do you usually stay in the hospital for pneumothorax drainage?

This depends on whether the pneumothorax is a simple pneumothorax or is complicated by other diseases. If there are no other lung diseases present and it is just a simple pneumothorax, then typically, drainage by tube for 5 to 7 days can lead to a complete recovery and cure. However, if there are complications such as emphysema, pulmonary heart disease, pneumoconiosis, or lung infections, then it is necessary first to control the infections. During this time, the pneumothorax can easily become a communicating pneumothorax. If it lasts for more than 1 to 2 weeks, it may turn into a refractory pneumothorax. In the case of refractory pneumothorax, besides drainage, minimally invasive surgeries such as pleurodesis or pneumothorax occlusion procedures are required. These surgeries take time. Therefore, if a stubborn pneumothorax forms, especially when complications like emphysema are present, hospital stays often need to be 14 days or even longer.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can you smoke with pneumothorax?

After suffering from pneumothorax, patients often experience symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, and coughing. Can patients smoke after suffering from pneumothorax? It is advised against smoking after suffering from pneumothorax, as smoke and harmful substances directly irritate the respiratory tract, worsening the patient's symptoms. Additionally, smoking produces a large amount of carbon monoxide, which, when absorbed by the body, can cause hypoxia, thereby exacerbating symptoms of breathing difficulty. Therefore, patients with pneumothorax should not smoke, and it is also recommended to quit smoking even after recovery from pneumothorax, as smoking is harmful in many ways and particularly damaging to the respiratory system.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can pneumothorax measure lung capacity?

Pneumothorax is a very common type of disease, caused by many and complex factors. It is classified into three different types based on individual conditions, so different types of pneumothorax lead to different clinical symptoms and consequences for the patient. Usually, it is not advisable to measure lung capacity immediately after a pneumothorax occurs. For lighter cases, it is recommended to wait at least half a month before measuring lung capacity. If the pneumothorax is severe, the interval may need to be over a month before conducting lung capacity measurements. Therefore, while patients with pneumothorax can have their lung capacity measured, this should only be done once the condition is effectively managed.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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The difference between tension pneumothorax and open pneumothorax.

The main difference between a tension pneumothorax and an open pneumothorax lies in the relative pressures of the pleural cavity compared to the atmospheric pressure. An open pneumothorax occurs when the pleural cavity is in an open state due to some reason. During inhalation, gas can enter the pleural cavity, and during exhalation, the gas can be expelled through this opening or another opening, resulting in pleural cavity pressure that is roughly equal to the atmospheric pressure. In a tension pneumothorax, due to some reason, a one-way valve is formed. The gas enters the pleural cavity easily but encounters resistance during expulsion, causing the pressure in the patient's pleural cavity to increase progressively. The gas can only enter the pleural cavity and cannot be effectively expelled. Therefore, the main difference between a tension pneumothorax and an open pneumothorax is the level of pleural cavity pressure compared to atmospheric pressure; in a tension pneumothorax, the pressure in the pleural cavity is significantly higher than the atmospheric pressure, while in an open pneumothorax, the pressures are roughly equal.