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Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax

Overview

The pleura is a thin membrane that surrounds the lungs. The space between the pleura and the lungs is usually very thin. Pneumothorax is the collection of air or gas in this space around the lungs, which leads to a lung collapse.

Review Date 12/31/2023

Updated by: Mary J. Terrell, MD, IBCLC, Neonatologist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.