This book describes Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lungs), Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases

A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) happens when air escapes from the lung.

The air then fills the pleural space outside of the lung between the lung and chest wall.

This air pushes on the outside of the lung and makes it collapse.

This buildup of air places pressure on the lung, so it cannot expand as much as it normally does when the patient takes a breath.

A pneumothorax can be a total lung collapse or a collapse of only a section of the lung.

Causes

Chest injury

Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) can be produced by an injury to the lung.

Trauma or injuries to the chest can produce a gunshot or knife wound to the chest, rib fracture, or certain medical and surgical procedures.

Any blunt or penetrating injury to the chest can induce lung collapse.

Some injuries may happen during physical assaults or car accidents, while others may inadvertently happen during medical procedures that involve the insertion of a needle into the chest.

In some patients, a collapsed lung is produced by air blisters (blebs) that break open, allowing air to escape into the space around the lung.

This can happen from air pressure alterations when scuba diving or traveling to a high altitude.

Tall, thin people and smokers are normally more at risk for a collapsed lung.

Lung disease

Injured lung tissue is more likely to collapse.

Lung damage can be produced by many types of underlying diseases, such as:

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
2. Cystic fibrosis,
3. Lung cancer or

4. Pneumonia.

   Cystic lung diseases, such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, produce round, thin-walled air sacs in the lung tissue that can burst, resulting in pneumothorax.

   Lung diseases can also raise the chance of getting a collapsed lung.

5. Asthma
6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
7. Cystic fibrosis
8. Tuberculosis

9. Whooping cough

   Ruptured air blisters

   Small air blisters (blebs) can form on the top of the lungs.

   These air blisters occasionally rupture permitting air to leak into the space that surrounds the lungs.

   Mechanical ventilation

   A severe type of pneumothorax can happen in people who need mechanical assistance to breathe.

   The ventilator can generate an imbalance of air pressure within the chest.

   The lung may collapse totally.

   In some cases, a collapsed lung happens without any cause (spontaneous).

   The primary symptoms of a pneumothorax are:

10. Sudden onset of chest pain and

11. Shortness of breath.

    If the patient has a collapsed lung, there are reduced breath sounds or no breath sounds on the affected side.

    Tests that may be ordered are:

12. Arterial blood gases and other blood tests to assess oxygen levels

13. Chest x-ray to diagnose the pneumothorax

14. CT scan if other injuries or disorders are suspected

15. Ultrasound imaging also may be used to identify a pneumothorax.

16. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

    The purpose in treating a pneumothorax is to relieve the pressure on the lung, permitting it to re-expand.

    Depending on the cause of the pneumothorax, a second purpose may be to prevent recurrences.

    The patient may be given supplemental oxygen therapy to speed air reabsorption and lung expansion.

    Treatment methods may involve:

17. Observation,
18. Needle aspiration,
19. Chest tube insertion,
20. Non-surgical repair or

21. Surgery.

    TABLE OF CONTENT
    Introduction
    Chapter 1 Pneumothorax
    Chapter 2 Causes
    Chapter 3 Symptoms
    Chapter 4 Diagnosis
    Chapter 5 Treatment
    Chapter 6 Prognosis
    Chapter 7 Atelect...

    Autorentext

    Dr. Kenneth Kee is a well-known medical doctor from Singapore who has been practicing medicine since 1972.
    He graduated from the University of Singapore and furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Health Management in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration in 1993.
    Dr. Kee established Kee Clinic in 1974, located in the Holland Drive area of Singapore. The clinic has been a prominent feature of the community, offering general medical services for 5 decades.
    Dr Kee also served his country Singapore as a national service police Inspector at night from 1975 to 1985 while working at his clinic during the day.
    He had served as a police guard to the Woodland Petroleum Tanks at night during the Indonesian Confrontation period, took part in police rounds at night in the Beach Road area and taught First aid and emergency resuscitation to Police recruits.
    He received the Singapore Police Bicentennial 2020 Medallion on 1st March 2024 as recognition for his work in the Singapore Police.
    Even as he grew older, Dr. Kee continued to work actively in his clinic, although he eventually reduced his consultation hours.
    Beyond his medical career, Dr. Kee is also an author.
    He started writing about medical conditions in 2007, using blogs and other online platforms to share his knowledge with a broader audience.
    Over time, he published various books, many of which provide simple and accessible guides to different health conditions.
    His works include "A Family Doctor's Tale," "My Personal Singapore History," and numerous medical guides, available through platforms like Amazon.
    His books often combine his personal experiences as a family doctor with insights into Singapore's healthcare system and history.
    Dr. Kee has written extensively on health topics, contributing to both medical literature and general knowledge resources.

    Dr. Kenneth Kee has written numerous books, primarily focused on health education and personal experiences as a family doctor. Some of his notable titles include:
    "A Family Doctor's Tale"
    This book is a blend of Dr. Kee's personal experiences and his reflections on being a family doctor in Singapore. It's a great choice if you're looking for a narrative that combines both medical knowledge and human stories.
    "Specialized Medical Conditions"
    Books like "Congestive Heart Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment" focus on specific conditions, offering in-dept...