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Original Articles

The Spontaneous pneumothorax port of call consultation

, MBChB, FCP(SA), Cert Pulmonology
Pages 182-185 | Published online: 15 Aug 2014
 

Abstract

Smokers have an approximately 12% lifetime risk of developing a primary spontaneous pneumothorax. It is rarely life-threatening and is mainly treated by aspiration. Secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces occur mostly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they have a mortality rate of approximately 1% and most patients require a tube thoracostomy with instillation of a sclerosing agent. Successful prevention of recurring secondary pneumothoraces requires more invasive surgical procedures. This article provides a short overview of spontaneous pneumothorax and its treatment.