Spontaneous pneumothorax bullae, causes and treatment of pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax is a common disease in life. It usually occurs in thin young people or people with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The incidence rate is higher in men. So what are the causes of spontaneous pneumothorax?

What is Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax refers to a condition in which gas enters the pleural cavity due to various reasons, causing gas accumulation.

The main symptoms are chest pain and chest tightness, which are mostly caused by factors such as exertion, holding breath, staying up late and fatigue.

Spontaneous pneumothorax generally occurs in thin young people or those with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and tuberculosis. It is caused by air leakage from ruptured bullae, and the incidence rate is higher in men.

Causes of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

1. Primary pneumothorax: It often occurs in young people, especially thin and tall men. The main reason may be the incomplete development of the lung apex, resulting in subpleural bullae, which rupture under various inducements.

2. Secondary pneumothorax: The cause of the disease is the rupture of bullae formed on the basis of other lung diseases. The most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

Dangers of pneumothorax

1. Tension pneumothorax – respiratory failure – death

2. Intrathoracic infection – septic shock – death

3. Hemothorax – hemorrhagic shock – death

Treatment of Pneumothorax

1. Closed chest drainage can expel the gas in the pleural cavity, reduce the pressure in the chest cavity, relieve the symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath, and wait for the ruptured bullae to heal on their own.

2.Thoracoscopic bullae resection and repair + pleurodesis:

A. The purpose of surgery is first to control lung air leakage, second to treat lung lesions, and third to achieve adhesion between the visceral and parietal pleura to prevent recurrence of pneumothorax. Therefore, it is an effective method for treating refractory pneumothorax and the most effective measure to prevent recurrence.

B. Which patients need thoracoscopic surgery?

1. Hemothorax

2. Patients with 2 or more episodes of recurrent disease;

3. The patient has had pneumothorax on the other side before.

4. Patients with obvious bullae in the affected lung as seen on CT

You can get out of bed and move around one day after thoracoscopic surgery. The chest tube is usually removed 2-3 days after the surgery. You can basically be discharged from the hospital after 1-2 days of observation after the chest tube is removed.

Precautions for patients with pneumothorax

1. Smokers should quit smoking and avoid polluted air or fumes.

2. During the onset of the disease, patients should stay in bed and take high-concentration oxygen, which is beneficial to the absorption of gas in the pleural cavity.

3. Do not engage in strenuous exercise after discharge, and avoid activities that increase intrathoracic pressure, such as exerting force, holding your breath, coughing, and straining during bowel movements.

4. Keep a happy mood, pay attention to the combination of work and rest, do not stay up late, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid mood swings.

5. The diet should be lighter. Avoid fat, high-sugar, spicy, fried foods, and stimulating drinks such as white wine and coffee. Eat more vegetables, fruits and other foods.