Pneumothorax and its etiology

Introduction: Air in the pleural space is defined as Pneumothorax. A case of pneumothorax is a medical emergency which can itself be serious and may endanger the life of the patient because of respiratory insufficiency. Aim of the study: To study the etiological factors of pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax, the inter-relation of spontaneous pneumothorax with different age groups, sexes and precipitating factors. Study the associated complications, degree of collapse of pulmonary parenchyma and outcome of the treatment. Materials and methods: Fifty cases of pneumothorax presenting to the department were admitted and investigated. Cases of pneumothorax with or without fluid, pus or blood in the pleural cavity; accidental and iatrogenic pneumothorax were also included. Pneumothorax is diagnosed by taking standard chest radiographs and computed tomograms (CT) of the chest wherever necessary. Results: A vast majority of the patients in this study were of poor socio economic background. Male to female ratio is 7:1. Of the 50 cases, 16 (32%) had pneumothorax only, 22 (44%) had pyopneumothorax and 10 (20%) had hydropneumothorax. Hemopneumothorax was found in 2 (4%) cases. Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumothorax is generally due to an underlying lung disease. It is important that pneumothorax is managed promptly and in an appropriate manner. Immediate management is largely determined by the extent of cardio-respiratory compromise, degree of symptoms and size of pneumothorax and may involve observation alone, needle aspiration or chest drain insertion.