Pneumothorax is not part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pneumothorax and COPD are two different diseases: although the rupture of alveoli formed by COPD can lead to secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumothorax refers to the accumulation of gas in the pleural cavity and is a pleural-related disease, while COPD mainly refers to chronic bronchitis and/or chronic obstructive emphysema.
1. Pneumothorax is caused by rupture of the pleura due to chest injury or rupture of alveoli, etc. Gas enters the pleural cavity through the rupture opening and leads to accumulation of gas in the pleural cavity to form pneumothorax. Generally speaking, pneumothorax is a pleura-related disease.
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a kind of chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema characterized by airflow obstruction. The alveoli formed in the course of emphysema can be ruptured due to infections and other reasons, resulting in the formation of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.
3. Difference between pneumothorax and COPD alveoli on CT: pneumothorax appears as a translucent area without lung texture on the outer side of the lungs, and the lung tissues are compressed and atrophied to the area near the hilums; whereas, alveoli appear as a round, or elliptical, low-density translucent area, and the edges of alveoli can be seen, and even the sparse lung texture can be seen.
Whether pneumothorax is part of COPD or not, it is recommended to go to the hospital for further consultation, examination or treatment.