Collapsed lung

A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) is a buildup of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space). As the amount of air in this space increases, the pressure against the lung causes the lung to collapse. This prevents your lung from expanding the right way when you try to breathe in. You will likely have shortness of breath and chest pain.

A pneumothorax may become deadly if the pressure in your chest prevents the lungs from getting enough oxygen into the blood.

Symptoms depend on the size of the pneumothorax. In minor cases, you may not realize you have a pneumothorax. In more severe cases, symptoms will develop rapidly and may lead to shock.

Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea). This may be mild to severe, depending on how much of the lung is collapsed.
• Sudden, severe, and sharp chest pain on the same side as the collapsed lung.

Symptoms may become worse with altitude changes (such as flying in an airplane or going underground or underwater).

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.

Treatment can depend on the cause and severity of the pneumothorax. Treatment can also depend on whether the pneumothorax has returned. Some people stay in the hospital for treatment. A minor pneumothorax may heal with rest, but you will need to be checked by your doctor. In some cases, oxygen may be given (through a mask). More serious cases are treated by placing a needle or a chest tube into the chest cavity. Both of these treatments relieve the pressure on the lung and allow it to expand again. Sometimes surgery is done.

• Get plenty of rest and sleep. You may feel weak and tired for a while, but your energy level will improve with time.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you have a bandage over your chest tube, or the place where the chest tube was inserted, keep it clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions on bandage care.
• If you go home with a tube in place, follow the doctor's directions. Do not adjust the tube in any way. This could break the seal or cause other problems. Keep the tube dry.
• Avoid exercise until your doctor says it's okay.
• Do not fly in an airplane or scuba dive until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.