The diagnosis is made by clinical examination of the patient when the condition is more advanced. In milder cases, the presence of air is detected by X-rays and CT scans.

Treatment sometimes consists of observing and waiting for the air to be absorbed by the body. In severe cases, such as hypertensive pneumothorax, a needle or drain is used to remove the excess air and save the patient's life.

Some people may have further episodes of pneumothorax and in some cases, the pleura does not heal sufficiently to prevent further air leaks. In such cases, an intervention called pleurodesis and resection of emphysema bubbles by video-assisted thoracoscopy is indicated.

This surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques. A small incision is made in the patient's chest and a thin camera is inserted. In another small perforation, surgical equipment is inserted. A piece of gauze is used to rub the area of the leak, starting an inflammatory process that will lead to tissue healing. For patients who have repeated episodes of pneumothorax, a special talc is used to cause healing. In this way, the lung adheres to the chest wall parietal pleura and further lung collapse is prevented.
When emphysema bubbles are found in the lung, they are resected in the same procedure to prevent them from leaking again.

The safety offered by this approach reduces the risk of complications and the rapid recovery gives patients back their quality of life.