What is the most likely cause of his spontaneous pneumothorax?

In most cases of spontaneous pneumothorax, the cause is unknown. Tall and thin adolescent males are typically at greatest risk, but females can also have this condition. Other risk factors include connective tissue disorders, smoking, and activities such as scuba diving, high altitudes and flying.

Are pneumothorax common in newborns?

Pneumothorax most often occurs in newborns with stiff lungs, such as newborns who have respiratory distress syndrome Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns Respiratory distress syndrome is a lung disorder in premature newborns in which the air sacs in their lungs do not remain open because a substance that coats the …

How do you prevent pneumothorax in newborns?

Cesarean section, NRDS, wet lung, pneumonia and mechanical ventilation are closely associated with neonatal pneumothorax. Strict management of indications for cesarean section, keeping PIP at a low level during mechanical ventilation, and use of pulmonary surfactant are helpful in preventing neonatal pneumothorax.

Is a spontaneous pneumothorax life-threatening?

Spontaneous pneumothorax is regarded as a common and benign clinical entity, however, it can be life-threatening if it progress to tension pneumothorax. While tension pneumothorax can develop abruptly, cardiovascular compromise progress more gradually due to the existence of a compensatory mechanism.

Can a spontaneous pneumothorax heal itself?

If the pneumothorax is small, and the tear in your lung is small, the leak usually heals itself in a few days and the trapped air is gradually absorbed by your body. You can use over-the-counter painkillers if the pain is bad. You may have an X-ray after a week or so to check the pneumothorax has gone.

How does a newborn baby get a pneumothorax?

Causes. A pneumothorax occurs when some of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in a baby’s lung become overinflated and burst. This causes air to leak into the space between the lung and chest wall (pleural space). The most common cause of pneumothorax is respiratory distress syndrome.

What is the treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax?

Most patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) are treated with supplemental oxygen and removal of air from the pleural space, typically by chest tube thoracostomy. Patients also typically undergo a definitive procedure to prevent recurrence during the same hospitalization.

How long does it take to recover from a spontaneous pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax Recovery It usually takes 1 or 2 weeks to recover from pneumothorax.