Common Causes And Risk Factors Of A Pneumothorax

Genetics

An individual who has certain genetic features or abnormalities may be at an increased risk of developing a pneumothorax. The gene associated with genetic pneumothorax is referred to as the FLCN gene. Currently, eight different mutations in the FLCN gene are known to increase an individual's chances of a primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The FLCN gene is responsible for providing an individual's body with the encoded instructions for how to make a protein referred to as folliculin. Folliculin is a known tumor suppressor and also plays a significant role in rebuilding, reforming, and repairing tissues in the lungs that have become damaged. A shortage of this protein in states of inflammation can cause the development of air pockets in an affected individual's lungs that eventually rupture and leak air into the pleural space. Approximately forty percent of individuals affected by one of these eight FLCN gene mutations will go on to experience pneumothorax.

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