J93.0: Spontaneous tension pneumothorax
The lungs are surrounded by a smooth membrane. A smooth membrane like this is also located inside the ribs. Both membranes cling to each other via a small amount of fluid. Through the suction of the fluid between the membranes, the lungs follow the movements of the chest while breathing. The lungs then alternately expand and contract. Air for breathing flows into the lungs and out again during these movements.
Air is usually only found inside the lungs. In your case, air has gotten between the membranes around the lungs. As a result, these two membranes can no longer cling to each other. The lungs are then no longer able to expand and contract normally.
In your case, more air is getting between the membranes around the lungs with every breath. This can happen for instance when the lungs have a small rupture. In that case, air from the lungs gets into the surrounding membranes. If more and more air gets between the membranes around the lungs, shortness of breath can get worse.
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