Pneumothorax

Doctors classify pneumothorax into different types based on the cause, which helps decide how to treat it.

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

This type happens in people who do not have obvious lung disease. It is most common in tall, thin young men and is usually caused by the rupture of small air sacs (blebs or bullae) at the top of the lungs. These sacs can burst from pressure changes or on their own, letting air leak into the pleural space.

Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

This type occurs as a result of existing lung disease. Conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or interstitial lung disease weaken the lungs and make air leaks more likely. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is usually more serious than the primary type because the patient already has less breathing capacity.

Traumatic Pneumothorax

This type is caused by a direct injury to the chest. It can be from penetrating trauma, like stab or gunshot wounds, which create an open pneumothorax or ‘sucking chest wound.’ It can also result from blunt trauma, such as rib fractures in car accidents, which can tear the lung surface.

Iatrogenic Pneumothorax

This form of traumatic pneumothorax happens during medical procedures. Procedures like central line placement, thoracentesis, lung biopsy, or mechanical ventilation can accidentally puncture the lung or pleura, causing air to leak.