DIAGNOSIS
Clinical features
It is often possible to diagnose a pneumothorax— or include it in a list of possible diagnoses—on the basis of a consistent history and examination findings. Patients typically report an abrupt onset of pleuritic pain and breathlessness. Examination findings may vary according to the size of the pneumothorax and presence of limited cardiorespiratory reserve. Typical signs include reduced breath sounds, reduced ipsilateral chest expansion and hyperresonant percussion note