What is the difference between tension pneumothorax and spontaneous pneumothorax?

Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space without any obvious cause. It can occur in people with healthy lungs, but is more common in people with underlying lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

Tension pneumothorax occurs when air builds up in the pleural space and cannot escape. It is a more serious condition, and one that can lead to respiratory failure and even death.

The main difference between spontaneous pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax is the presence of air under pressure in the pleural space. In tension pneumothorax, air builds up in the pleural space and cannot escape. This pressure can cause the lung to collapse and the mediastinum to shift, which can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax can be similar, and can include:

- Chest pain

- Shortness of breath

- Coughing

- Difficulty breathing

Tension pneumothorax can cause additional symptoms, such as:

- Confusion

- Disorientation

- Cyanosis

- Tachycardia

- Hypotension

Treatment

The treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, a small pneumothorax can be treated with simple observation. More serious cases may require the insertion of a chest tube to drain the air from the pleural space.

In tension pneumothorax, it is critical to insert a chest tube as soon as possible to relieve the pressure in the pleural space. This can be done by inserting a needle into the chest cavity, followed by the insertion of a chest tube.

Outlook

The outlook for spontaneous pneumothorax is usually good. Most people recover fully with treatment. The outlook for tension pneumothorax is more guarded, but with prompt treatment, most people recover.