A collapsed lung is a potentially fatal medical condition that causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, a rapid heart rate and skin discoloration. This condition occurs when pressure accumulates within the thin protective tissue that covers the lungs, called the pleura. People who have questions or concerns regarding the causes of collapsed lungs should consult a physician for further information.
Chest Trauma or Injury
Any type of chest injury or trauma can cause collapsed lungs in affected people. Common types of trauma to the chest that result in lung collapse include rib fracture or a knife or gunshot wound, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center reports. These types of injuries can pierce or damage the pleural sac, causing air and pressure to develop around the lungs. People who sustain chest trauma should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional to ensure receipt of appropriate care and treatment.
Pressure Changes
Pressure changes within the lungs can cause lung collapse in people, a condition called tension pneumothorax. When the pressure around the lungs is greater than the pressure in a person's external environment, the elevated force of inhaled oxygen can result in complete lung collapse, MayoClinic.com warns. This cause of lung collapse can lead to the rapid onset of breathing difficulties and requires immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.
Lung Disease or Infection
People with a lung disease or infection, such as cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia, are more susceptible to lung collapse than healthy patients. These types of lung conditions can interfere with the flow of oxygen into the lungs due to the presence of mucus, fluid or tumors that block the airways, Drugs.com explains. Lung disease or infection can also weaken the lung tissue, making it more likely to collapse. Poor oxygen flow into the lungs can result in excess pressure around the lungs, leading to collapsed lungs.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
In certain cases, people can develop spontaneous pneumothorax that arises in the absence of trauma, environmental pressure changes or lung conditions. Spontaneous pneumothorax typically occurs when a small, weakened portion of the lungs abnormally ruptures, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center reports. This rupture increases the amount of pressure around the lungs, which can cause lung collapse. The cause of this unusual lung rupture is unclear, but can be instigated by smoking marijuana, or activities such as scuba diving or hiking at unusually high altitudes. People who have family members who have experienced lung collapse are also at an increased risk of developing spontaneous pneumothorax, according to MayoClinic.com.
