Pneumothorax in a 16-year-old Nigerian male with asthma

ABSTRACT

Background: Asthma is a commonly occurring disease but the combination of asthma with pneumothorax is not as common. Aim: To outline the diagnostic features and management of this disorder. Case Report A 16-year-old male student presented with history of marked dyspnoea; tachycardia and chest findings of bilateral polyphonic rhonchi. Drugs which are used for acute severe asthma were administered. The response was not satisfactory . A chest radiograph showed left pneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted and connected to an under- water seal drainage. Conclusion: A detailed history and physical examination aided by a chest radiograph are important in patients who present with acute severe asthma to rule out possible complications; such as pneumothorax