Traumatic Pneumothorax

A traumatic pneumothorax is the entry of air into the space surrounding the lung caused by an injury, such as a hard blow, a chest wound, or a rib fracture, which causes the lung to collapse fully or partially.

Common symptoms: sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and, in significant cases, a sensation of suffocation or bluish discoloration.

When to seek care? After chest trauma with pain and shortness of breath, this is a situation that requires emergency care.

Which specialist treats it? the emergency physician provides immediate care, and the thoracic surgeon or the pulmonologist take part in its subsequent management. After a hard blow to the chest followed by difficulty breathing, seeking medical care immediately is essential.