Pneumothorax is the collection of air or gas in the space around the lungs.

Air around the lung; Air outside the lung

Pneumothorax may result from chest trauma, excess pressure on the lungs, or a lung disease such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, or whooping cough. In some cases, the cause is unclear.

See also:

• Spontaneous pneumothorax
• Tension pneumothorax
• Traumatic pneumothorax

• Sudden sharp chest pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Easy fatigue
• Rapid heart rate
• Bluish color of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

Note: Symptoms may begin during rest or sleep.

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

• Nasal flaring
• Anxiety, stress, and tension
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

There are decreased or no breath sounds on the affected side when heard through a stethoscope.

Tests include:

• Chest x-ray to tell whether there is air outside the lung
• Arterial blood gases