A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) is a buildup of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall. The pressure of the air against the lung makes the lung collapse. Your lung cannot fully expand when you inhale. This causes shortness of breath and chest pain.
A collapsed lung is usually caused by an injury to the chest. It may also occur suddenly because of a lung illness, such as emphysema or lung fibrosis. A lung may collapse after lung surgery or another medical procedure. Sometimes it happens for no known reason.
Treatment can depend on the cause and severity of the collapsed lung. Treatment can also depend on whether the problem has returned. Some people stay in the hospital for treatment. In some cases, oxygen may be given (through a mask). It may heal with rest, but your doctor will need to check you. It can take several days for the lung to expand again. Your doctor may have drained the excess air from your chest with a needle or tube. Sometimes surgery is done to help keep the lung inflated.
The doctor will want to keep track of your progress. So you will need a follow-up exam to check your lungs. You may need further treatment if you are not getting better.
A collapsed lung may happen again. Watch for symptoms. If you have shortness of breath or chest pain, get medical treatment right away.
A pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is a buildup of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This pressure keeps the lung from expanding fully when you inhale. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
A pneumothorax can be caused by an injury to the chest, such as a broken rib or a puncture wound. It may also occur suddenly because of a lung illness, such as COPD or pneumonia. Or a lung may collapse after lung surgery or another medical procedure. Sometimes it happens for no known reason.
Treatment can depend on the cause and severity of the pneumothorax. Some people stay in the hospital. A pneumothorax may be treated with rest. Oxygen may be used. A needle or a chest tube may be placed in the chest cavity to relieve the pressure on the lung. Sometimes surgery is done.
Symptoms may include shortness of breath and sudden, severe, sharp chest pain. Shortness of breath may be mild or severe, depending on how much of the lung is collapsed. Symptoms may get worse with altitude changes. In more severe cases, symptoms will develop rapidly and may lead to shock.
Treatment can depend on the cause and severity of the pneumothorax. Some people stay in the hospital. A pneumothorax may be treated with rest. Oxygen may be used. A needle or a chest tube may be placed in the chest cavity to relieve the pressure on the lung. Sometimes surgery is done.
A pneumothorax usually is diagnosed through a physical exam and a chest X-ray. Your doctor may also do blood tests to measure the level of oxygen in your blood. You may need a CT scan or ultrasound to diagnose the severity of your condition. These tests will also help the doctor plan your treatment.
If you have had one pneumothorax, you have an increased risk for another. People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop a pneumothorax than those who don't. If you smoke, quitting smoking can reduce your risk of another pneumothorax.
A pneumothorax is often caused by an injury to the chest. These can be things like a broken rib or puncture wound. It may also occur suddenly without an injury.
A pneumothorax can result from damage to the lungs. This can be caused by conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. A pneumothorax can also occur in people who don't have lung disease. This happens when an air-filled blister (bleb) on the lung ruptures and releases air into the pleural space.
A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) is a buildup of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall. The pressure of the air against the lung causes the lung to collapse. This keeps your lung from expanding fully when you inhale. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
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