prognosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Some information concerning the prognosis for a patient with pneumothorax is presented below:

• reabsorption of air and re-expansion of lung will occur over 3-12 weeks unless bronchopleural fistula or tension pneumothorax develop

• a pneumothorax may precipitate respiratory failure if respiratory function is poor

• recurrence rate for primary pneumothorax is more than 20% after the first episode and even greater after the second episode and tends to be more likely in women, tall men and smokers (1)

• conservative treatment results in higher rates of recurrence

Reference:

• (1) Currie GP et al. Pneumothorax: an update. Postgrad Med J. 2007; 83(981): 461-465