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Pneumothorax — Emergency Treatment

Air collection in the pleural cavity collapses the lung and may be life-threatening when it progresses to tension pneumothorax.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Pneumothorax — Emergency Treatment?

Pneumothorax is the abnormal accumulation of air in the pleural space, leading to partial or complete collapse of the lung.

It is classified as primary spontaneous (in tall, thin young men), secondary spontaneous (COPD, tuberculosis), traumatic and iatrogenic.

Tension pneumothorax results from a one-way valve mechanism that progressively traps air in the chest, shifting the mediastinum and obstructing venous return.

Symptoms

Sudden onset, sharp pleuritic chest pain
Shortness of breath and tachypnoea
Decreased breath sounds on the affected side
Hyper-resonance on percussion
Tachycardia, anxiety
Neck vein distension (in tension type)
Tracheal deviation, cyanosis (late finding)

Risk Factors

Tall, thin male body habitus
Smoking and cannabis use
Underlying lung disease (COPD, TB, cystic fibrosis)
Connective tissue disease (Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos)
Penetrating or blunt chest trauma
Mechanical ventilation, central venous catheter insertion
Previous pneumothorax history

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Call 112 immediately for sudden chest pain with shortness of breath
  • Tension pneumothorax suspicion (hypotension + neck vein distension) requires direct emergency intervention
  • An ambulance must be called when the breathing rate exceeds 30/min and oxygen saturation drops below 90%
  • Recurrent pneumothorax requires evaluation by thoracic surgery

Treatment Methods

01
Oxygen support and patient positioning at 45 degrees
02
Emergency needle decompression (2nd intercostal space, mid-clavicular line) in tension pneumothorax
03
Thoracic catheter (chest tube) placement and underwater seal drainage
04
Conservative observation for small (<2 cm) pneumothorax
05
Surgical pleurodesis or VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) for recurrent cases
06
Smoking cessation and avoidance of high altitude/diving

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.