11th January 2024

A 19-year-old gentleman is reviewed in respiratory clinic after a recent spontaneous pneumothorax episode for which he required needle aspiration.

A 19-year-old gentleman is reviewed in respiratory clinic after a recent spontaneous pneumothorax episode for which he required needle aspiration. A repeat chest x-ray is reassuringly normal. 

He denies any history of atopic conditions, respiratory illnesses or family history of connective tissue disease. He admits to social smoking 1-2 cigarettes a day with friends. He denies any other inhaled substances. On examination, he has a normal body habitus, and there are no chest wall deformities. He is on the 81st centile for height. 

Which of his risk factors provides the biggest risk of further pneumothorax in the future? 

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.