Mariska Hargitay, the sultry detective of L&O fame, was nominated for a Golden Globe (she didn’t win) but was unable to attend the ceremonies due to the fact that she has suffered her second spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in a few short weeks. The actress‘s lung collapsed over the Christmas holidays for the first time.
The cause of Hargitay’s pneumothorax is not known at this time. A spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the pleura (lining) of the lung and the chest wall. The pressure between these two layers is negative, and when air from the outside or the inside of the lung breaches this space, the lung partially or fully collapses.
A pneumothorax is termed spontaneous if a cause for the collapse cannot be determined. Spontaneous pneumothoraces often occur without warning in otherwise healthy people. They are most common in tall, thin men and usually occur between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age. Smoking may be a risk factor. The cause is thought to be a small air sac on the lung which ruptures and releases air, thus causing the lung to collapse.
A pneumothorax is termed secondary if it occurs in a person who has known lung disease. Emphysema and COPD are common causes of secondary pneumothoraces. Traumatic pneumothoraces occur as a result of trauma; for example, from a blunt or penetrating injury to the chest wall.
Symptoms of a collapsed lung can include:
Severe chest pain
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Rapid heart rate
Treatment for a collapsed lung ranges from observation to insertion of a chest tube. People who experience a repeated collapsed lung may require surgery to prevent the lung from collapsing again.
Severe, untreated pneumothoraces can be fatal. Anyone who experiences chest pain, especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Mariska’s rep has stated that she is expected to make a full recovery and will not miss any work on the popular series.
Related Link:
Video: Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease from illumistream
Mariska Hargitay from Internet Movie Database (IMD)
Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung) from Medicine Net
