Pneumothorax

Question 1

Different types of pneumothorax

Answer 1

Primary - no lung disease
Secondary - existing lung disease
Tension - emergency

Question 2

Treatment in primary pneumothorax?

Answer 2

<2cm and not SOB - consider discharging
<2cm with symptoms - needle aspiration
Failing that >2cm or symptoms insert chest drain

Question 3

Treatment in secondary pneumothorax?

Answer 3

Admit all patients for at least 24hours
Pt >50 and rim >2cm or SOB - insert chest drain
Rim 1-2cm try needle aspiration, if fails and rim >1cm insert chest drain
<1cm give oxygen