Does pneumothorax cause chest pain?

Pneumothorax can cause chest pain.

The main causes of pneumothorax include rupture of lung tissue, trachea, or esophagus, or penetration of the pleura by a wound in the chest wall, allowing outside air to enter the pleural cavity. When pneumothorax develops, gas escaping from a ruptured pulmonary bleb compresses the lung tissue and presses against both sides of the thoracic cavity, resulting in chest pain. The onset is sudden, with acute unilateral chest pain typically localized to the affected side, often described as sharp, stabbing, or knife-like. The pain is usually brief in duration and frequently accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The accumulated gas compresses the lung, impairing lung expansion and leading to chest tightness and dyspnea. This manifests as labored breathing or a feeling of inadequate air intake, sometimes causing mouth breathing and nasal flaring. These symptoms typically occur after the chest pain. Patients with large amounts of trapped air or underlying severe chronic lung disease may experience marked respiratory distress, inability to lie flat, or difficulty lying on the affected side. In rare cases of bilateral pneumothorax, respiratory difficulty is the predominant symptom.

When such symptoms occur, patients should undergo imaging examinations of the chest for accurate diagnosis. Commonly used methods include chest X-ray and chest CT. These tests help clarify the exact condition. Once diagnosed, appropriate treatment should be administered under medical guidance. For example, in cases of minor pneumothorax, supplemental oxygen may be given to promote spontaneous absorption. In more significant cases, treatment may involve procedures such as closed thoracostomy (chest tube drainage), along with symptomatic and supportive management.