- Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in
the pleural cavity. Air may enter the cavity because of spontaneous (sudden, unexpected)
rupture of lung tissue or because of trauma to the chest wall and/or lung (creates an air
leak). Emphysema, asthma and TB are associated with spontaneous pneumothorax.
- Spontaneous idiopathic pneumothorax occurs when small blebs of
peripheral tissue rupture without warning or apparent cause. Young people are more
commonly affected. A cough may lead to sudden pain and dyspnea.