Influence of Weather Conditions on the Onset of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Positive Association with Decreased Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract

Purpose: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is believed to result from blebs, or from other abnormalities of the pleural surface. There is no consensus as to whether a change in weather conditions can precipitate spontaneous pneumothorax. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of weather conditions on the onset of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Methods: The case histories of 1051 inpatients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax treated at Nissan Tamagawa Hospital between January 2006 and December 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Data on weather conditions were collected daily throughout the 6-year period. The data were analyzed to determine differences in weather conditions between days on which primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurred and those on which it did not. Results: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurred on 819 (37.3%) of 2191 study days. On days before and the day of primary spontaneous pneumothorax onset, the difference in mean atmospheric pressure was 0.6 hPa lower than on days in which no primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurred. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.015). There was no statistical difference in mean, maximum, and minimum temperature, hours of sunshine, amount of precipitation, and mean and minimum humidity between days with and those without primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Conclusion: This largest study of the literature showed decreased atmospheric pressure might play an important role in the occurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax.Keywords: atmospheric pressure, spontaneous pneumothorax, weather trauma and is associated with symptoms such as chest pain and breathing difficulties. Despite recent advances in the treatment of SP, the precise mechanism of onset remains unclear.

Incidence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax is not associated with microclimatic variations. Results of a seven-year survey in a temperate climate area

“…Sudden air temperature variations, as in the case of air conditioning during summertime or, contrarily, in the case of heating during wintertime, were not correlated with onset of SP [31,32,35]. Atmospheric pressure variations were supposed to act on transpleuric pressure gradient, thus making it easier the breaking of pre-existing blebs, and ultimately leading to development of SP [22,35,[37][38][39]. In particular, some scientists put forward the hypothesis that air pressure variations (e.g., >10 milliBar) could contribute to influence some predisposing conditions of SP [40,41].…”

Risk of spontaneous pneumothorax due to air travel and diving in patients with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome

“…Especially in diving, pulmonary barotrauma may result in serious complications. The increased risk of pneumothorax associated with changes in atmospheric pressure can be explained by a change in transpulmonary pressure in regions with air trapping, and not in direct connection with the airways, resulting in a higher pressure compared to the atmosphere (Scott et al 1989; Suarez-Varel et al 2000; Bense 1984; Bulajich et al 2005; Haga et al 2013). Air trapping may be caused by peripheral airway inflammation with a check-valve mechanism resulting in obstruction of the airway (Smit et al 2004; Cottin et al 1998).…”

Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Post-Interventional Pneumothorax: German S3 Guideline

“…DOI: 10.1159/000490179 1.4.5. Climatic Effects and Weather There is no correlation between climatic effects, season, or weather and the development of spontaneous pneumothorax [11,54,55]. …”