Pneumothorax in children

Pneumothorax in children may be because of one of the following causes

1. Hyaline membrane disease
2. Positive pressure ventilation
3. Obstructive respiratory disease
4. Trauma to the chest wall or oesophagus
5. Staphylococcal pneumonia
6. Cystic fibrosis
7. Diaphragmatic hernia
8. Tracheotomy
9. Spontaneous

A small pneumothorax may be without any symptoms & may be spontaneously absorbed. Tension pneumothorax with respiratory distress, lung collapse & mediastinal shift is a surgical emergency and needs an immediate intervention as it is life threatening condition. Emergency needle aspiration (through the second intercostal space) or intercostal chest drainage is the life saving procedure which can immediately bring back the patient to normal.