Pneumothorax is the presence of air or gas in the pleural space, which can be spontaneous or traumatic.
Types of pneumothorax:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax: occurs without any apparent cause, often in individuals with pre-existing lung disease.
- Traumatic pneumothorax: caused by injury to the chest, such as from a car accident or fall.
- Tension pneumothorax: a life-threatening condition where air enters the pleural space and increases pressure, causing the lung to collapse.
- Open pneumothorax: a condition where there is an open wound in the chest, allowing air to enter the pleural space.

Air enters the pleural space through a tear in the lung or chest wall.
As air enters, pressure in the pleural space increases, causing the lung to collapse.
The diaphragm and surrounding muscles are unable to expand the chest, leading to respiratory distress.

Step 1 → Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
Step 2 → Insert a large-bore needle into the second intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line to relieve pressure.
Step 3 → Immediately refer the patient to a hospital for further treatment, which may include chest tube insertion and surgery.

Chest X-ray: to confirm the presence of air in the pleural space.
CT scan: to assess the extent of the pneumothorax and identify any underlying lung disease.

Conservative management: for small pneumothoraces, where the patient is monitored and treated with oxygen.
Chest tube insertion: to remove air from the pleural space and re-expand the lung.
Surgery: in cases where the pneumothorax is large or persistent.

Pneumothorax is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate relief of pressure.
Conservative management is usually reserved for small pneumothoraces.
Chest tube insertion and surgery may be necessary in cases where the pneumothorax is large or persistent.