Pulmonary Air Leaks

The process of breathing involves the inhalation of air into the lungs, where it travels through branching airways called bronchial tubes and into tiny sacs called alveoli. However, if the alveoli rupture, it can cause air to leak into the space between the lungs and the chest wall, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially causing damage to the lungs. This condition is known as a pulmonary air leak or pneumothorax.

Pulmonary air leaks, also known as pneumothorax, can occur in newborns. A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or fully. This can lead to difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels in the blood.

Types of Pulmonary Air Leaks

There are several types of pulmonary air leaks, or pneumothorax, that can occur in newborns. These include:

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax: This type of air leak occurs without any apparent cause, often in newborns with no underlying lung disease.
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: This type of air leak occurs in newborns who have underlying lung diseases, such as respiratory distress syndrome or congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Traumatic pneumothorax: This type of air leak occurs after trauma to the chest, such as during delivery or due to a birth defect.

It is important to be aware of the different types of pulmonary air leaks that can occur in newborns and to seek medical attention if you suspect your newborn may have a pneumothorax. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further lung damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Air Leaks

Symptoms of a pulmonary air leak, or pneumothorax, in newborns may include:

Difficulty breathing: Newborns with pneumothorax may have trouble breathing and may exhibit signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing or grunting.
Bluish skin colour: A lack of oxygen in the blood can cause the skin to turn blue, a condition known as cyanosis.
Grunting: Newborns may make grunting noises while trying to breathe.
Flaring of the nostrils: Newborns may flare their nostrils while trying to breathe.
Retractions: Newborns may exhibit retractions, or the sucking in of the skin between the ribs or above the collarbone while trying to breathe.
Chest wall abnormalities: A pneumothorax may cause the chest wall to appear sunken or bulging.

Causes of Pulmonary Air Leaks in Newborns

Pneumothorax can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes of pneumothorax in newborns include:

Prematurity: Premature infants are more prone to developing pneumothorax due to their underdeveloped lungs.
Respiratory distress syndrome: This condition, which is common in premature infants, can cause the lungs to collapse and lead to a pneumothorax.
Mechanical ventilation: The use of mechanical ventilation to help newborns breathe can increase the risk of pneumothorax.
Birth defects: Certain birth defects, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, can increase the risk of pneumothorax in newborns.
Trauma: Trauma to the chest during delivery can also cause pneumothorax in newborns.

Treatment of Pulmonary Air Leaks

Treatment of a pulmonary air leak in newborns may include:

Oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy involves the use of a mask or tube to deliver oxygen to the lungs. This can help improve oxygen levels in the blood and reduce the risk of further lung damage.
Chest tube insertion: A chest tube is a small tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the space between the lung and the chest wall. The chest tube helps to remove excess air and fluid from the chest, allowing the lung to re-expand.
Surgery: In severe cases of pneumothorax, surgery may be necessary to repair the leak and prevent future air leaks. This may involve the placement of a patch or other device to seal the leak.

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect your newborn may have a pneumothorax. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further lung damage and improve the chances of a full recovery. Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the pneumothorax and the overall health of your newborn.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Koramangala. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. Can you tell if the air went into an infant's lungs?

A pneumothorax, or pulmonary air leak, in a newborn, may not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, it can cause rapid breathing in a newborn and may cause grunting while breathing out. In some cases, a newborn with pneumothorax may have a bluish colour to their skin and lips, a condition known as cyanosis. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that your newborn may have a pneumothorax, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further lung damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.

2. What causes pneumothorax in newborns?

A pneumothorax occurs when some of the tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, become overinflated and burst, causing air to leak into the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. The most common cause of pneumothorax in newborns is respiratory distress syndrome, a condition that can cause the lungs to collapse.

3. Is it common for newborns to have a pneumothorax?

Pulmonary air leaks are more common in newborns than in any other age group, with an incidence rate of 1% to 2% in the general population and 6% to 7% in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, those with a birth weight of fewer than 1,500 grams.

4. How can you prevent pneumothorax in newborns?

To help prevent neonatal pneumothorax, it may be helpful to manage indications for cesarean section delivery carefully, keep the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) low during mechanical ventilation, and use a pulmonary surfactant to help keep the lungs open. These measures can help reduce the risk of neonatal pneumothorax and improve the chances of a full recovery.

5. Is it possible for a baby to survive a pneumothorax?

In some cases, a pneumothorax, or pulmonary air leak, may resolve on its own if it is small and there is not a large amount of air present. However, if there is a large amount of air and the pneumothorax is causing difficulty breathing, it may require urgent treatment. A bilateral pneumothorax, a rare condition in which air leaks out of both lungs and causes them to collapse, will also require prompt treatment.