When needles are not removed, acupuncture-induced pneumothorax usually does not manifest itself. After the needles are removed, it usually appears after a few hours, but the exact time varies according to the individual’s constitution and there is no exact time. Acupuncture is a traditional treatment method in Chinese medicine. If the doctor does not handle it properly and the depth of the needles is not accurately grasped, the needles may accidentally penetrate into the lungs, thus causing pneumothorax. If the needle is still in the retention stage, the symptoms of pneumothorax are not obvious at this time. Because the acupuncture needle is relatively thin and the incision is small, the manifestations of pneumothorax such as chest tightness and shortness of breath will not appear until a few hours after the needle is removed. But there is no certain clinical time frame for exactly how long it will appear. If the manifestations of pneumothorax such as chest tightness and shortness of breath appear after acupuncture, you should go to the respiratory department in time. Patients need to go to the hospital to receive regular treatment in order to ensure their safety when performing acupuncture.