pneumothorax and chestwall pressure relationship

[madeyedhl]

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Dear All,

I have a question on what the graph of lung/chest wall relationship (chest wall, lung curve at FRC, and its combination) would look like in a pneumothorax.

I understand that that chest wall pressure AT FRC would be 0mmH20 (transorgan static pressure). Then the curve for chest wall would "right shift". The Lung volume/ pressure would stay same.

However, the lung-chest wall system combined curve at FRC would be around 5mm H20 since chest wall pressure=0mm, lung pressure=5mm..

What is the implication on this? Why would, according to this change in curve, lead to "collapse of alveoli"? Does this mean that since it is "positive" pressure, that just means "collapasing" pressure?

Thanks!