pneumothorax

A pneumothorax (noo-mo-THOR-acks) is a collapsed lung. Pneumothorax occurs

when air leaks into the space between your lungs and chest wall. This air pushes on
the outside of your lung and makes it collapse. In most cases, only a portion of the
lung collapses.
A pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain
medical procedures involving your lungs, or damage from underlying lung disease.
Or it may occur for no obvious reason. Symptoms usually include sudden chest pain
and shortness of breath.
A small, uncomplicated pneumothorax may quickly heal on its own. When the
pneumothorax is larger, doctors usually insert a fexible tube or needle between your
ribs to remove the excess air.