37 years old gentleman, heavy smoker woke with severe persistent cough.
Pneumothorax is a condition characterized by the presence of air in the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. This air accumulation can lead to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung. Pneumothorax can occur spontaneously, often in tall, thin individuals without underlying lung disease, or it can result from trauma or underlying lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes, a dry cough. Diagnosis is often made through physical examination and imaging studies such as chest X-ray or CT scan. Treatment depends on the severity of the pneumothorax and may range from observation to needle aspiration or chest tube insertion to remove the air and re-expand the lung.
Thank you Dr Christine Saw Lee Lynne for your contribution.
Picture credit: Dr Christine Saw Lee Lynne
