Collapsed Lung: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Collapsed Lung?
A pulmonologist, a doctor for lung problems, and an emergency doctor often care for a collapsed lung. A collapsed lung happens when air escapes from the lung. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a collapsed lung?
A collapsed lung happens when air escapes from the lung. The air can then fill the space between the lung and the chest wall. This buildup of air puts pressure on the lung. So the lung cannot expand as much as it normally does when you take a breath.
The medical name of this condition is pneumothorax. A pneumothorax can be a complete lung collapse or only a portion of the lung. In some cases, a collapsed lung happens without any cause. This is called a spontaneous collapsed lung.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a collapsed lung include the following.
- Sharp chest or shoulder pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal flaring, which comes from shortness of breath
A larger pneumothorax causes more severe symptoms. These include the following.
- Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
- Chest tightness
- Lightheadedness and near fainting
- Easy fatigue
- Abnormal breathing patterns or increased effort of breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Shock and collapse
Causes and who gets it
A collapsed lung can be caused by an injury to the lung. Injuries can include a gunshot or knife wound to the chest, a rib fracture, or certain medical procedures.
Sometimes air blisters of the lung, called blebs, break open. This sends air into the space around the lung. This can result from air pressure changes, such as when scuba diving or traveling to a high altitude.
Tall, thin people and smokers are more at risk for a collapsed lung. Lung diseases can also raise the chance of getting a collapsed lung. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough.
There are several types of pneumothorax, defined by what caused the lung collapse.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will listen to your breathing with a stethoscope. With a collapsed lung, there are fewer breath sounds or none on the affected side. You may also have low blood pressure.
Doctors may order a chest x-ray. They may also order blood tests, including arterial blood gases. They may also order an electrocardiogram (ECG). A CT scan may be used if other injuries or conditions are suspected.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve the pressure on the lung and let it re-inflate. The type of treatment depends on the cause, how bad the collapse is, and your overall health.
A small pneumothorax may go away on its own over time. You may only need oxygen treatment and rest. Your provider may use a needle to let the air escape from around the lung. This lets the lung expand more fully.
With a large pneumothorax, a chest tube is placed between the ribs into the space around the lungs. The tube helps drain the air so the lung can re-expand. The chest tube may be left in place for several days, and you may need to stay in the hospital.
Lung surgery may be needed to treat a collapsed lung or to prevent future episodes. The area where the leak occurred may be repaired. Sometimes a special chemical is placed into the area, which causes a scar to form. This procedure is called pleurodesis.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting. These can be signs of a collapsed lung. Tell your provider if you have had a collapsed lung before, because another one is possible.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this can talk with you if you have had a collapsed lung before, because another one is possible.
Common questions
What is another name for a collapsed lung?
The medical name is pneumothorax.
Can a collapsed lung heal on its own?
Yes, a small pneumothorax may go away on its own over time. You may only need oxygen treatment and rest.
Can a collapsed lung be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent a collapsed lung. You can decrease your risk by not smoking. Following standard procedure can reduce the risk of a pneumothorax when scuba diving.
Can a collapsed lung happen again?
Yes, another collapsed lung in the future is a possible complication. With a spontaneous collapsed lung, you are more likely to have another if you are tall and thin or continue to smoke. Having had two collapsed lung episodes in the past also makes another one more likely.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- American Lung Association - Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lungs)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
