Pneumothorax Emergency: What to Do When Your Lung Collapses

When air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall, it’s called a pneumothorax, a condition where air builds up outside the lung, causing it to collapse partially or fully. Also known as a collapsed lung, it’s not always obvious—but when it becomes an emergency, every minute counts. This isn’t just a minor irritation. A pneumothorax can turn deadly fast, especially if it becomes a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening version where pressure from trapped air pushes the heart and major blood vessels out of place. You might feel sudden, sharp chest pain on one side, like something popped inside you, followed by shortness of breath—even when you’re sitting still. Some people describe it as a stabbing feeling that gets worse when they breathe in.

Who’s at risk? Tall, thin young men without any prior health issues can develop a spontaneous pneumothorax for no clear reason. But it’s also common after chest injuries—car accidents, stab wounds, even broken ribs. People with lung diseases like COPD or cystic fibrosis are more likely to have one. And if you’ve had one before, your chance of having another jumps significantly. The scary part? You don’t always know it’s happening until it’s serious. Some people brush off mild symptoms, thinking it’s just a pulled muscle or indigestion. But if your breathing gets worse, your skin turns blue, or your heart starts racing, you’re not dealing with a simple ache—you’re in a respiratory emergency, a situation where your body can’t get enough oxygen, and immediate medical care is required to prevent death.

What happens in the ER? Doctors don’t guess—they check. A chest X-ray is the first step. If it’s small and you’re stable, they might just watch you. But if it’s large or you’re struggling to breathe, they’ll stick a needle or tube into your chest to pull the air out. That’s it. No surgery, no long hospital stay—just quick action to let your lung re-expand. And if it’s a tension pneumothorax? They don’t wait for tests. They insert a needle right away, right at the bedside. Delay could mean cardiac arrest.

After the emergency, you’ll need to know what to avoid. Flying, scuba diving, or heavy lifting too soon can trigger another one. Your doctor will give you clear rules—but most people recover fully if treated fast. The key is recognizing it early. If you’ve ever had unexplained chest pain with sudden breathlessness, don’t wait. Don’t text a friend. Don’t scroll through symptoms online. Call 911. A pneumothorax emergency doesn’t wait for convenient hours. And neither should you.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how to spot the signs, understand what causes it, and what to expect if you or someone you know ends up in the ER. These aren’t theory pages—they’re practical, no-fluff insights from people who’ve been there.