What is a common complication of pneumothorax?

A common complication of pneumothorax is lung collapse. When air enters the pleural space, it disrupts the negative pressure that is necessary for the lungs to stay inflated. This can lead to a portion or the entirety of the lung collapsing, which is medically termed atelectasis. Symptoms of a lung collapse can include sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing, which are associated with the intrusion of air into the thoracic cavity that prevents normal lung expansion.

The other options do not relate directly to the complications stemming from pneumothorax. Inflammation of the gallbladder is associated with cholecystitis and is not a direct outcome of pneumothorax. Persistent fever typically indicates an infection or inflammatory process but is not a standard complication of a pneumothorax. Severe abdominal cramping is unrelated as it is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues, and it does not stem from conditions affecting the lung. Understanding the relationship between pneumothorax and lung collapse is crucial for recognizing clinical presentations and guiding appropriate management.