Pneumothorax

Tension pneumothorax
requires immediate relief.
Do not delay management by obtaining a CXR.

Causes
Often spontaneous (especially in young thin men) due to rupture of a subpleural bulla.
Other causes:
asthma;
COPD;
TB;
pneumonia;
lung abscess;
carcinoma;
cystic fibrosis;
lung fibrosis;
sarcoidosis;
connective tissue disorders (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome);
trauma;
iatrogenic (subclavian CVP line insertion, pleural aspiration or biopsy, percutaneous liver biopsy, positive pressure ventilation).