What is a primary cause of pneumothorax?

A primary cause of pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space. This condition occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, which can lead to a collapse of the lung on the affected side. The presence of air disrupts the negative pressure that normally keeps the lung inflated. This can happen due to various mechanisms, such as spontaneous rupture of blebs (small air-filled sacs) on the lung surface, trauma, or as a complication of certain medical procedures. Understanding that pneumothorax specifically involves air accumulation highlights the underlying pathology that differentiates it from other pulmonary conditions.

While rib fractures and chest infections can lead to respiratory issues or complications, they are not primary causes of pneumothorax in the same direct manner. Rib fractures can result in a pneumothorax if they puncture the lung, but this is a secondary cause. Similarly, a chest infection may affect lung function but does not directly lead to the development of a pneumothorax as the primary event.