• Chest Congestion

Pneumothorax Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips

Medically reviewed and edited by Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Published: May 30, 2025
Updated: June 09, 2025
4 mins

Breathing is something we do without thinking – until something goes wrong. A pneumothorax (or collapsed lung) can disrupt that ease in an instant, making it difficult to breathe and causing sudden chest pain. Whether it happens out of the blue or due to an injury or underlying condition, this lung emergency requires prompt attention. 

In this article, we’ll cover what causes the different types of pneumothorax, common symptoms to look out for, and how long recovery typically takes. 

What is a Pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, putting pressure on the lung and making it harder to breathe. This can cause part or all of the lung to collapse, leading to sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. 

Pneumothorax can affect anyone, and the severity depends on the cause and how much of the lung is affected. In some cases, it develops without warning, known as a spontaneous pneumothorax. In more serious cases, such as a tension pneumothorax, the pressure builds up rapidly and can become life-threatening without emergency treatment. 

Pneumothorax Causes and Types

There are several possible pneumothorax causes, ranging from sudden injury to underlying health conditions. In some cases, it can happen for no clear reason at all. 

Trauma is one of the most well-known cases of pneumothorax. Blunt or penetrating chest injuries, such as broken ribs or stab wounds, can puncture the lung and allow air to escape into the space around it. Certain lung diseases – including COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis – can also damage lung tissue and increase the risk.

Sometimes, a pneumothorax develops as a complication of a medical procedure – such as placing a central line, performing lung biopsies, or using mechanical ventilation. Other cases are spontaneous, meaning they happen without any obvious external cause. A spontaneous pneumothorax can occur in otherwise healthy people – especially tall, thin young men – or in those with underlying lung disease (secondary spontaneous pneumothorax). Rarely, a catemenial pneumothorax can occur in females due to endometrial tissue affecting the lung, usually around the time of menstruation. 

Types of pneumothorax

• Spontaneous pneumothorax: This can be primary (in people with no known lung disease) or secondary (in those with pre-existing lung conditions).

• Tension pneumothorax: A serious, life-threatening type of pneumothorax where trapped air builds up pressure in the chest, compressing the lungs and heart. This can quickly become fatal if not treated immediately.

• Apical pneumothorax: A smaller pneumothorax that affects the top portion (apex) of the lung. While sometimes less severe, it can still cause symptoms and may require monitoring or treatment.

Each type of pneumothorax comes with its own risks, and understanding the cause and severity is essential for proper care.

What Does a Pneumothorax Feel Like?

A pneumothorax often begins with a sudden, sharp pain in the chest that may feel like a stabbing sensation, especially when you take a deep breath. Many people also notice sudden shortness of breath, even while resting, along with a tight, constricted feeling in the chest. In more severe cases, symptoms may include lightheadedness, fatigue, or a bluish tint to the lips or skin – signs that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. 

From a medical standpoint, pneumothorax signs and symptoms can vary based on how much of the lung is collapsed and the underlying cause. Clinically, a doctor may observe decreased or absent breath sounds on one side of the chest, a rapid heart rate, low oxygen levels, and in more severe cases, low blood pressure. A key clinical feature of a pneumothorax in a life-threatening scenario is tracheal deviation – where the windpipe shifts to one side. 

This is often seen in tension pneumothorax symptoms, which are especially dangerous and can include extreme shortness of breath, chest pain, distended neck veins, and confusion. This condition can rapidly progress to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately, making it a true medical emergency.

What to Do If You Suspect a Pneumothorax

If you suddenly experience sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing – especially after an injury or without any clear cause – don’t wait it out. A pneumothorax can quickly worsen, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you think you might have a collapsed lung.

While waiting for help, follow these basic first aid steps:

• Stay upright if you can. Sitting up can help your lung expand as much as possible and reduce pressure on your chest.

• Try to stay calm. Panic can make your breathing more shallow and increase oxygen demand.

• Breathe slowly and gently. Focus on controlled, steady breaths to avoid worsening shortness of breath.

• Avoid lying flat or applying pressure to your chest. These positions can make symptoms worse or increase pressure around the lung.

It’s important to avoid any attempts to treat a pneumothorax at home. Do not try to re-inflate the lung yourself or wait for symptoms to pass. Even a small or apical pneumothorax should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, and conditions like a tension pneumothorax require emergency intervention.

Pneumothorax Treatment and Medical Management

Once you're in a medical setting, healthcare professionals will determine the best pneumothorax treatment based on how much air has built up around the lung, your symptoms, and the underlying cause. 

In small, uncomplicated cases, especially when the lung has only partially collapsed, treatment may involve observation only. You’ll likely be monitored in the hospital with oxygen therapy and follow-up imaging to ensure the lung re-expands on its own.

For more significant pneumothoraces, doctors may perform a needle aspiration, using a small needle to remove the trapped air. In moderate to severe cases, a chest tube is often inserted to continuously drain air and allow the lung to re-inflate over time.

If you’ve had multiple pneumothoraces or your lung doesn't fully recover with standard treatments, surgery may be recommended. This could involve procedures to repair lung tissue or seal the space to prevent future collapse.

In the case of a tension pneumothorax, immediate action is critical. Doctors will perform an emergency needle decompression – inserting a needle into the chest to rapidly relieve the dangerous pressure – followed by chest tube placement for ongoing management. This is a life-saving intervention and highlights why fast access to professional care is so important.

Whether simple or complex, all pneumothorax treatments must be handled in a hospital. There’s no safe way to manage a collapsed lung at home.

Recovery Time and Self-Care After a Pneumothorax

Recovering from a pneumothorax takes time and careful attention to your body’s signals. For minor cases, especially those managed with observation alone, full recovery may take a few days to a couple of weeks. If a chest tube was placed or surgery was required, recovery may stretch into several weeks or even a few months, depending on your overall lung health.

While you can’t treat a pneumothorax at home, there are important ways to support your recovery and help prevent another collapse:

• Avoid strenuous activity like heavy lifting, intense exercise, or flying until your doctor clears you. Air travel and high altitudes can increase pressure in the chest and raise the risk of recurrence.

• Go to all follow-up appointments, especially imaging like chest X-rays, to confirm your lung has fully re-expanded.

• Watch for signs of recurrence, such as sudden chest pain or shortness of breath returning – these symptoms need immediate evaluation.

• Use breathing exercises if recommended by your doctor to help improve lung function.

• Manage pain carefully, using prescribed or over-the-counter medications as directed.

• Make lifestyle changes that support long-term lung health, like quitting smoking and avoiding environments with poor air quality or extreme pressure changes.

Even though pneumothorax treatment must happen in a medical setting, you play a key role in the healing process by resting, staying alert to symptoms, and protecting your lungs during recovery.

Where Can I Learn More About Lung Health?

A pneumothorax is a medical emergency that requires in-person evaluation and treatment. If you suspect a collapsed lung, don’t wait – call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately.

While LifeMD cannot treat pneumothorax directly, we can support your long-term health in other ways. From helping you manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD to guiding you through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or improving your overall lung health, a team of licensed providers are here to help you stay on track with your care.

Make an online appointment today to get started. 

Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Taryn earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rutgers University, her Master’s in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master’s in Adult Gerontology Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. She has provided care to a wide array of patients across various healthcare settings. Fitness is Taryn’s passion. She weight lifts and runs regularly, and she also enjoys cooking and traveling.

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