What happens to breathing with a chest puncture?

A chest puncture, or pneumothorax, allows air to enter the pleural space, leading to a collapse of the lung on the affected side. This results in difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and reduced oxygen exchange, causing breathlessness and potentially chest pain. The body may compensate by increasing respiratory rate, but severe cases can lead to respiratory distress or failure if not treated promptly. Immediate medical attention is often required to re-establish normal breathing and lung function.