Haryana boy, Divyansh, bagged the first spot in the medical entrance exam, NEET, after securing a perfect 720. As per reports, Divyansh is suffering from pneumothorax, a severe lung condition.
“After recovering from the lung condition, I contracted dengue. I was bedridden for a week due to dengue, and once I recovered, my mother fell ill. I took care of her and visited the hospital daily.Once everything was sorted, I restarted. It took about 10-15 days to get back on track. Other students were far ahead in the syllabus, but I focused on myself and followed my teachers’ guidance,” the NEET topper told Indian Express in an interview.
Divyansh’s success story is an inspiration to millions of students across the country and beyond.
What is pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of the lung, causing it to collapse. Pneumothorax can be a complete collapse of the lung or a partial collapse, depending on the amount of air that has accumulated.
Types of Pneumothorax
Spontaneous Pneumothorax:
Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: This type occurs without any apparent cause and without any underlying lung disease. It is often seen in tall, thin, young adults, particularly males.
Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: This type occurs in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, or tuberculosis. The diseased lung tissue can form small blisters (blebs) that can burst, causing the lung to collapse.
Traumatic Pneumothorax: This type results from a chest injury, such as a fractured rib, gunshot wound, or stab wound, which punctures the lung or chest wall. Medical procedures involving the chest, such as a biopsy, central line placement, or mechanical ventilation, can also cause a traumatic pneumothorax.

Tension Pneumothorax: This is a severe form of pneumothorax where the pressure in the chest increases significantly, leading to a shift in the mediastinum (the central compartment of the thoracic cavity) and compression of the heart and other lung. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of Pneumothorax
The symptoms of pneumothorax can vary in severity and may include:

In the case of tension pneumothorax, symptoms may also include low blood pressure, severe respiratory distress, and a shift in the trachea away from the affected side.
Prevention and management
Smoking cessation: Smoking increases the risk of pneumothorax, especially in those with underlying lung disease.
Avoiding high altitudes and scuba diving: These activities can increase the risk of pneumothorax in susceptible individuals.
Regular medical follow-ups: For individuals with lung diseases, regular check-ups and monitoring can help manage conditions that may predispose them to pneumothorax.