Pneumothorax Spontaneous

Pneumothorax spontaneous

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a loss of negative pressure in the pleural cavity, accompanied by partial or total collapse of the lung due to communication with the external environment while the chest wall is intact. When newly incoming air is retained in the pleural cavity, a tension (valve) pneumothorax occurs, quickly leading to massive collapse of the lung and displacement of the mediastinal organs.

Characteristic symptoms are sudden intense pain in the chest cavity, which often occurs in the midst of complete health, lack of air, cyanosis, and tachycardia. Possible decrease in blood pressure, absence of tactilely detectable vocal tremor, percussion-box sound, respiratory sounds are reduced or disappear. Respiratory failure may resolve without resolution of the pneumothorax. The final diagnosis is made by X-ray examination.

Spontaneous pneumothorax can be primary or secondary. Primary occurs as a result of rupture of subpleural emphysematous bullae, most often in the apices of the lungs. Usually these are tall patients with inappropriately lower body weight. Pneumothorax develops at rest, less often during exercise. Smokers are more susceptible to spontaneous pneumothorax. The chance of recurrence without pleurodesis is approximately 50%.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax often occurs against the background of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (tuberculosis, silicotuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary infarction, rheumatoid diseases, echinococcosis, berylliosis). The clinical picture of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is more severe.

Treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax has two goals: evacuation of air from the pleural cavity and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

First medical aid is puncture of the pleural cavity and aspiration of air through a puncture in the third or fourth intercostal space along the midclavicular line, followed by Bülau drainage, especially with tension pneumothorax, and the use of painkillers.

To prevent relapse, pleurodesis is used with sclerosing substances, in particular tetracycline at a dose of 20 mg/kg intrapleurally with the lung expanded.

Menstrual pneumothorax is associated with the menstrual cycle in women over 25 years of age. Occurs in the first 48 hours after the onset of menstruation. Origin unknown. For treatment, drugs that suppress ovulation are used. Otherwise, thoracotomy pleurodesis is performed.

Neonatal pneumothorax is more often observed in newborns, approximately 1-2% (with clinical symptoms in 0.5%), 2 times more often in newborn boys, usually in full-term and post-term children. The cause is associated with mechanical problems in the first expansion of the lung, as well as respiratory distress syndrome. Diagnostics: X-ray. If clinical symptoms occur, drainage of the pleural cavity. Hospitalization in a surgical hospital.

Prognosis: in case of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, it is favorable; in case of secondary pneumothorax, it is determined by the course of the underlying disease.



Spontaneous pneumothorax: causes, symptoms and treatment

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a condition in which air undesirably enters the pleural space, leading to collapse of the lung. Unlike traumatic pneumothorax, spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without an obvious external cause or trauma. This medical condition can occur in people without visible predisposing factors or in the presence of certain pathologies.

Spontaneous pneumothorax usually occurs due to the sudden rupture of small air capillaries on the surface of the lung. This can occur when there are air bubbles called bullae, which form as a result of abnormalities in the structure of the lung tissue. When these bullae rupture, air enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse.

The main symptom of spontaneous pneumothorax is sudden, unilateral chest pain. The pain may be sharp or dull and worsens with breathing, coughing, or physical activity. In addition, patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, bluish skin, and increased heart rate.

The diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax is usually made based on physical examination, lung auscultation, and chest x-ray. X-rays usually show air in the pleural cavity and a collapsed lung.

Treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax depends on its severity and recurrence. In some cases, a small pneumothorax may resolve on its own without medical intervention. However, if there are symptoms or if the pneumothorax is large, treatment may be necessary.

One of the main treatments is aspiration of air using a needle or small tube inserted into the pleural cavity. This allows you to remove excess air and restore pressure in the lung cavity. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent pneumothorax from recurring.

After treatment, patients are advised to take a number of precautions to reduce the risk of relapse. This may include avoiding smoking, physical activity at high altitudes, and other factors that can increase pleural pressure.

In conclusion, spontaneous pneumothorax is an unpleasant condition that can occur without warning. If you experience symptoms such as unilateral chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, you should contact your doctor for medical attention. Spontaneous pneumothorax can be successfully treated if treated promptly, and recurrences can be prevented by following doctor's advice and taking appropriate precautions.