Spontaneous Pneumothorax Precipitated by a Forceful Sneeze in a Young Male: A Case Report

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) typically affects young, tall, slender males and is often associated with subpleural bleb rupture. While many cases occur at rest, sudden changes in intrathoracic pressure can serve as triggers. A 22-year-old male smoker (BMI: 21.2 kg/m²) presented with acute pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea immediately following a forceful sneeze. Clinical examination and radiography confirmed a massive left-sided pneumothorax. An emergent tube thoracostomy was performed, resulting in immediate lung re-expansion and symptomatic relief. This case highlights the importance of considering PSP in the differential diagnosis of acute chest pain following physiological maneuvers like sneezing, especially in patients with high-risk phenotypes.