Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Author Spotlight: An Effective Traditional Chinese Medicinal Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Abdominal Distension
Published on: September 1, 2023
[Bilateral pneumothorax following acupuncture]
L Deterding1, J Bräunlich1, G Borte2
1Abteilung Pneumologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR (Leiter: Prof. H. Wirtz).
Abstract:
Acupuncture, a subsection of traditional Chinese medicine, plays an important role as an alternative healing method. Even though there is little proof of its efficacy, acupuncture is becoming more and more popular in the Western world, especially because it is considered almost free of side effects. However, severe complications may occur and have previously been described.We will present a patient who suffered from bilateral pneumothoraces after acupuncture into the paravertebral area. This complication was not considered as a differential diagnosis thus even worsening the patient's life-threatening condition.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...

