Pneumothorax

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Avoidance of smoking and smokeless tobacco can prevent most cases due to emphysema and lung cancer. Most other cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The collection of air may be treated or resolve on its own and cause no long-term effects. However, larger collections of air can cause collapse of the lungs and affect the heart. Severe breathing problems, low blood pressure, and, possibly, even death may occur. The underlying cause, such as lung cancer, also helps determine the long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

This condition is not contagious and does not cause any risks to others. If the underlying problem is an infection such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, this infection can be contagious.