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Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

A pneumothorax is air between the lung and chest wall, causing part of the lung to collapse. It often causes sudden chest pain and breathlessness, but severity can vary greatly. A tension pneumothorax is life-threatening and can cause rapid deterioration with severe breathlessness, a fast heartbeat and agitation. After a pneumothorax, do not fly or dive until a doctor has confirmed it is safe again.

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  • In a pneumothorax, air enters the space between the lung and chest wall.
  • This can cause part of the lung to collapse and make breathing harder.
  • Symptoms often start suddenly with chest pain and breathlessness.
  • A tension pneumothorax is an emergency in which pressure keeps increasing.
  • After a pneumothorax, flying and diving require medical clearance.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blood clot lodged in a lung blood vessel. It can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing or a fast heartbeat. Signs of a leg thrombosis, such as pain or swelling in one leg, may also be present. A severe pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. If suspected while you are stable, call your GP the same day or HAP 9252 outside office hours. For severe breathlessness, chest pain with collapse or fainting, call Ambulance 912 immediately.
B
Brain aneurysmA brain aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in or around the brain. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms, but rupture often causes a sudden, unprecedentedly severe headache and can become life-threatening within minutes. Call Ambulance 912 immediately and do not drive yourself.
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