A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, typically feels like a sudden sharp or dull chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sudden movements. People often experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and a sensation that they cannot draw a full breath. Other symptoms can include a rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and in severe cases, a bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails due to lack of oxygen. The pain and breathing difficulty usually occur on one side of the chest where the lung has collapsed
. The pain is often described as sharp and increases with inhalation, and there may be a steady ache or tightness in the chest. Shortness of breath can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the lung collapse. Some people also report feeling lightheaded or faint
. If you experience these symptoms, especially sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing, it is important to seek emergency medical care as a collapsed lung can be life-threatening
