21st February 2025

Presentation of pneumothorax

Pneumothorax frequently develops with minimal symptoms or may even be asymptomatic. Symptoms are usually sudden onset and include pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Symptoms are normally more severe in secondary pneumothorax even with pneumothoraces of the same size.

Signs of pneumothorax on examination include reduced breath sounds and hyperresonant percussion notes on the side of the pneumothorax. Hypoxia is often not present in small primary spontaneous pneumothorax but may be present in secondary or traumatic pneumothorax. In traumatic pneumothorax, examination may reveal evidence of rib fractures or penetrating trauma.