Pneumothorax natural history

The prognosis varies with the cause of pneumothorax; primary spontaneous pneumothorax have the most favorable prognosis. The symptoms of pneumothorax usually develop in any decade of life, and start with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Uncomplicated pneumothorax usually resolve within 10 days. Secondary pneumothorax is dependent on the underlying cause and can continue to reoccur. If tension pneumothorax is not recognized it will lead to death. Common complications of pneumothorax include recurrence, cardiovascular collapse, and pneumo-mediastinum.

• The symptoms of pneumothorax usually develop in any decade of life, and start with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Uncomplicated pneumothorax usually resolve within 10 days.
• Recurrence occurs within 6 months.^[1]

• If left untreated, patients with tension pneumothorax may progress to develop death.

• Uncomplicated pneumothorax usually resolve within 10 days.
• Recurrence occurs within 6 months.^[1]

• If left untreated, patients with tension pneumothorax may progress to develop death.

• Common complications of pneumothorax include:^[2]
  • Recurrence^[3]
  • Cardiovascular collapse
  • Pneumomediastinum^[4]

The prognosis of pneumothorax is as follows:^[5]

• The prognosis varies with the cause of pneumothorax; primary spontaneous pneumothorax have the most favorable prognosis.^[2]

• Primary spontaneous pneumothorax resolves within 10 days without treatment.
• Secondary pneumothorax is dependant on the underlying cause and can continue to reoccur.
• If tension pneumothorax is not recognized it will lead to death.

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