Treating pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is defined as air in the pleural space and may be classified as spontaneous, traumatic or iatrogenic. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax may occur in patients without clinically apparent lung disease. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is a complication of pre-existing lung disease.¹ Primary pneumothorax typically occurs in tall, thin males between 10 to 30 years of age. It has a recurrence rate of approximately 30 per cent.1 The incidence of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is similar to that of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. However, the peak incidence of secondary pneumothorax occurs between 60 and 65 years of age.

Smoking increases the risk of pneumothorax in a dose-dependent manner.