Pneumothorax

Overview

Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity between the lung and chest wall. Typical symptoms are sudden one-sided sharp chest pain and shortness of breath; in some cases a one-way valve effect causes tension pneumothorax, which can lead to hypoxia and low blood pressure and be life-threatening.

Symptoms

• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

Small pneumothorax can be managed with conservative observation, while marked lung collapse or tension pneumothorax requires needle aspiration or closed chest drainage.

Dietary advice

Light diet, plenty of fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation, and avoidance of straining and breath-holding.