Outlook

• The prognosis of pneumothorax depends on its cause.
  
  
  • For a spontaneous pneumothorax, there is an increased risk for another collapsed lung in the future.
    
    
  • If no tension is present, the condition is easily treated by removal of the air, which reexpands the lung and returns lung function to normal after a few days.
    
    
  • Tension pneumothorax is life-threatening and may be fatal.
  
  
• Some scarring to the pleura develops after treatment and can result in intermittent, sharp, localized, chest pain over the short term.
  
  
• In general, once the pneumothorax has healed, there is no long-term effect on health. However, spontaneous pneumothorax can recur in up to 50% of people.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Pneumothorax - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with pneumothorax.

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 11 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review