Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A punctured lung, or pneumothorax in medical terms, is a condition in which the lung or part of it collapses. This can occur as a result on a buildup of air or gas in the chest cavity or as the result of a traumatic injury such as a fall or car accident. Some medical procedures can also cause a punctured lung. Most punctured lungs will require medical treatment, usually in the form of a tube or needle inserted through the chest wall, to allow to lung to expand and heal.

Chest Pain

• Dull or sharp chest pain is sometimes present in someone with a punctured lung.

Breathing Trouble

• Because a punctured lung limits lung function and capacity, shortness of breath or rapid breathing are sometimes signs of a punctured lung.

Cough

• A sudden, dry cough can be a signal of a collapsed lung.

Turning Blue

• Because of the difficulty breathing, some people may get cyanotic--the medical term for turning blue--in the event of punctured lung.

Weakened Pulse

• A weakened pulse is sometimes experienced by people with a punctured lung.