A traumatic pneumothorax is a collection of air inside the chest, between the lung and inner chest wall, which causes the lung to collapse.

See also: Pneumothorax

Traumatic pneumothorax occurs when a physical injury causes the lung to collapse. It can be caused by chest injury from a gunshot or knife wounds. It may also be caused by automobile accidents, or can happen after certain medical procedures.

High-risk medical procedures include transbronchial biopsy, pleural biopsy, thoracentesis, central venous catheter placement, intercostal needle anesthesia, and esophagoscopy.

Hemothorax, a collection of blood between the lung and chest wall, often happens with traumatic pneumothorax.

History of recent chest injury or high-risk procedure, plus:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing, rapid
• Chest tightness
• Hypoxemia (low oxygen level in blood)

Listening to the chest with a stethoscope may reveal decreased breath sounds on one side of the chest. There may be a bluish coloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen. The affected person may have a rapid heart rate.

Tests:

• Chest x-ray
• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas