Primary prevention

Cigarette smoking cessation is the single most important preventative measure for both primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces.[39]

Secondary prevention

Early recognition and treatment of respiratory infections, such as tuberculosis and Pneumocystis jirovecii respiratory infection in AIDS, are important measures in the prevention of pneumothoraces.[88]​ Adherence to prescribed therapy may curb the risk of a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in those patients. Smoking cessation is the single most important step to reduce the risk of a pneumothorax recurrence.[17]​

Surgery may be indicated for some patients to prevent recurrence. Options include open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).[17]

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