Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

What are the signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax?

The most common signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax are chest pain and difficulty breathing. Your child may experience signs and symptoms including:

• Bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue (getting tired easily)
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden sharp chest pain, which is made worse by a deep breath or a cough

What tests are used to diagnose a pneumothorax?

To diagnose a pneumothorax, we use imaging tests that show air outside the lung, including:

• Chest X-ray
• E-FAST ultrasound
• Chest CT

What can I expect from imaging tests to diagnose a pneumothorax?

Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans are painless and can be done quickly. A chest X-ray is often the only test required to diagnose a pneumothorax. Your child’s doctor may perform a chest CT scan if they’ve had more than one pneumothorax or if the normal treatment is not working. More detailed CT scans can look for conditions besides pneumothorax.

How is a pneumothorax treated?

Treatment for pneumothorax varies depending on the size and associated symptoms. A small pneumothorax with no symptoms often requires no treatment. Doctors will monitor your child until the pneumothorax heals on its own. For a larger or more symptomatic pneumothorax, your child’s doctor may place a chest tube to help suction out the air that shouldn’t be there.

If a chest tube isn’t enough, if the pneumothorax is persistent or if the pneumothorax is caused by a bleb, your child’s doctor may require a surgery called pleurodesis. This procedure chemically or physically stimulates the formation of scar tissue inside the chest cavity so that the lung adheres to the chest wall better.

Usually, this procedure is performed with minimally invasive surgery. Small, keyhole-size incisions and a telescope camera allows us to see inside the chest to perform the intervention.

Why choose us for treatment of a pneumothorax?

Members of our Pediatric Surgery Department are trained in thoracic surgery and general surgery, so they’re experts in all the treatment options for a pneumothorax.

And because we focus on treating children, we know what a pneumothorax looks like in younger patients. Our experience and knowledge help us accurately diagnose and treat a pneumothorax in children.