What is communicating pneumothorax and what are the classifications of pneumothorax?

Some people suffer from pneumothorax and are very nervous. In addition, some non-professional doctors do not explain the situation well, which makes the patients and their families feel uncertain and at a loss as to what to do. When our doctors are ready to treat them, they are still undecided. So what are the types of pneumothorax?

1. Closed pneumothorax (simple)

When the lung retracts during exhalation, or because of serous exudate, the visceral pleural rupture closes itself, and no air leaks into the pleural cavity.

The pressure measurement in the pleural cavity showed that the pressure increased. After the air was pumped out, the pressure dropped and did not rise again, indicating that the rupture was no longer leaking. The residual gas in the pleural cavity will be absorbed by itself, the pressure in the pleural cavity can maintain negative pressure, and the lungs will gradually re-expand.

2. Tension pneumothorax (high pressure)

The pleural rupture forms a valve-like obstruction, which opens during inhalation and allows air to leak into the pleural cavity; it closes during exhalation and the gas in the pleural cavity can no longer return to the respiratory tract through the rupture and be discharged from the body. As a result, more and more gas accumulates in the pleural cavity, forming high pressure, which compresses the lungs, makes breathing difficult, pushes the mediastinum toward the healthy side, and obstructs circulation, requiring emergency venting to relieve symptoms.

If the pressure in the affected side's pleural cavity increases, and after being evacuated to negative pressure, it soon returns to positive pressure, a continuous pleural cavity exhaust device should be installed.

3. Open pneumothorax (communicating)

Because of adhesion and traction between the two layers of pleura, the rupture remains open, allowing air to flow freely in and out of the pleural cavity during inspiration and exhalation. The pressure in the affected side's pleural cavity was around 0. After vacuuming and observing for a few minutes, the pressure did not decrease.

Pneumothorax can be divided into the following types according to the cause:

1. Post-traumatic pneumothorax: caused by a sharp stab wound to the chest;

2. Primary pneumothorax: Pneumothorax occurs in healthy people without obvious lung lesions. It is more common in young adults aged 20-40 years old, and more common in men.

3. Secondary pneumothorax: pneumothorax occurring secondary to various lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis, lung cancer, etc.