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Collapsed Lung

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated January 25, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: A condition that causes the lining of the lung to pull away from the wall of the chest. The space between the lung and the chest fills with air, pushing the injured lung against the heart and the other lung.

Collapsed lung can occur as a result of chest injury, or spontaneously in patients with lung disease.

Pronunciation: KOHL-lapst lung
Also Known As: Pneumothorax
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