What causes a collapsed lung?

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What causes a collapsed lung?

Pneumothorax has three main causes: medical conditions, injuries and lifestyle factors.

Medical conditions that may cause a collapsed lung include:

  • Asthma.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Collagen vascular disease.
  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • Emphysema.
  • Endometriosis in the chest.
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Lung cancer.
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
  • Marfan syndrome.
  • Tuberculosis.
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition caused by pneumonia, coronavirus and other illnesses.

Injuries that may cause collapsed lung are:

  • Blunt force trauma.
  • Certain types of ventilation or changes to ventilation.
  • Gunshot wound.
  • Lung puncture during a medical procedure, like a biopsy or nerve block.
  • Stab wound.

Lifestyle factors associated with collapsed lung are:

  • Drug use, especially inhaled drugs.
  • Flying that involves drastic changes in air pressure.
  • Scuba or deep-sea diving.
  • Smoking.

People with certain other risk factors may be more likely to have a collapsed lung. These are:

  • Family history of pneumothorax.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Tall, thin body type.

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