A collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, occurs when air escapes from the lungs and becomes trapped in the space between the chest and lung cavities. This can be due to an air blister in the open lung, a sudden change in air pressure, or trauma to the chest or ribs. The pressure that builds up makes all or part of the lung collapse. Collapsed lung requires medical assistance, as well as patience in undergoing the healing process.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Go to the emergency room
Immediately go to the doctor or emergency room if you suddenly feel chest pain, or other symptoms of lung collapse such as difficulty breathing, enlarged nostrils (nasal flaring), chest tightness, and fatigue appear.
- If you have blunt force trauma to your chest, tell your doctor if you have shortness of breath and chest pain, or if you are coughing up blood.
- Lung collapse can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is trauma to the ribs or chest. Lung collapse can also be caused by changes in air pressure as well as certain pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis.
- If you have severe chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
- A collapsed lung can get worse quickly, so the sooner you seek medical attention the better.
- When you enter the ER, your doctor will perform various tests to diagnose a collapsed lung. The doctor will examine the chest, and listen with a stethoscope. The doctor will also check your blood pressure (it will likely be low if you have a collapsed lung), and look for symptoms such as blue skin. A definite diagnosis is usually made using X-rays.
Step 2. Undergo treatment
Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on the type and severity of your lung collapse.
- Maybe the doctor will suggest observation and bed rest as treatment if your lung collapse is mild and can heal on its own. This usually takes about one to two weeks of observation, rest, and a visit to the doctor.
- If your lung collapse is severe, the air must be removed using a needle and chest tube. The chest cavity will be inserted into the needle attached to the syringe. The doctor will suck out excess air, as when sucking blood using a syringe. Then a tube will be placed in the chest cavity to allow the lungs to re-inflate for several days.
- If the chest tube and needle method doesn't work, your doctor may suggest surgery as another treatment option. Usually, surgery is relatively non-invasive and can be performed with only a few incisions. A small fiber optic camera will be inserted through this incision, so the doctor can see what they are doing when inserting small, long-handled surgical instruments into the body. The surgeon will look for the opening in the lung that is causing the leak and seal the leak tightly. In some cases, parts of the affected lung tissue must be removed.
- The length of treatment will vary and depend on the severity of the collapsed lung, but be prepared for a longer hospital stay. Sometimes the chest tube must remain in there for several days before it is removed. If undergoing surgery, most patients will have to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days after surgery.
Step 3. Begin healing in the hospital
When undergoing treatment at the hospital, the healing process will begin while waiting for the time to go home. Doctors and nurses will help you through the treatment.
- While in the hospital, you will have to do a lot of breathing exercises, as well as sit and walk to strengthen your lungs.
- If you have surgery, you will also be given an injection to prevent blood clots from forming. You may also need to wear stockings on your legs to prevent blood clots.
- Your doctor will explain what to do about home care, medications, and when it's safe to return to work. Listen carefully, and if you have a question, just ask. Make sure you understand what is best for you and your body in order to fully heal.
Part 2 of 2: Understanding Home Remedies
Step 1. Take the prescribed medication
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medical history, and possible allergies, your doctor may prescribe pain medication to take in the first few weeks after treatment.
- Don't lose to pain. Take your medicine immediately when you start to feel pain as this will make it easier for you to stop more severe pain before it starts than to treat it when you have severe pain.
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The most severe pain will be felt in the first 48 to 72 hours. The pain and discomfort will lessen but full recovery may take several weeks even after the severe symptoms have passed. Be patient and take medication as needed.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 5 Step 2. Rest, but make sure you stay active
You don't have to rest in bed when you have a collapsed lung. You should rest while sitting, and do light, low-impact activities, such as walking.
- It can take one to two weeks before you fully recover from a collapsed lung, so make sure you lie down a lot during this time.
- Don't force yourself to do regular activities too quickly, as this could trigger another collapse. Make sure your breathing is normal and the pain is gone before you do household chores, high-impact exercises, and other strenuous physical activities.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 6 Step 3. Sleep in a recliner for the first few days
You will find it difficult to breathe after a collapsed lung, and the way you sleep can help make breathing easier.
- Sleeping in a recliner, then changing to a slightly upright position, will reduce pressure on the lungs and chest cavity.
- The recliner also makes you more comfortable when getting up and lying down. Movement can be painful after a collapsed lung, and a recliner will make it easier for your body to do so.
- Place a pillow on the painful area to make your chair feel more comfortable when used to sleep.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 7 Step 4. Be careful with the clothes and pads you wear
After a collapsed lung, you should avoid putting undue pressure on the ribs. Many people are tempted to place a pad on the area to relieve pain, but this must be done properly so as not to harm yourself.
- To relieve symptoms, try hugging a pillow against the chest wall. This can reduce pain every time you breathe.
- Do not apply tape to the chest or ribs. This can interfere with breathing and make the situation worse.
- Wear loose clothing for the first few days. If you are wearing a bra, use a sports bra or a bra that is larger than what you normally wear.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 8 Step 5. Don't smoke
If you're a smoker, breathing in any smoke while you're recovering can put pressure on your lungs, and this is something you should avoid during the healing process.
- Quit smoking completely until the symptoms disappear. Talk to your doctor about alternative options such as nicotine pills or patches to help overcome your addiction without smoking.
- Because smoking can increase the risk of another lung collapse, it is best to quit smoking completely. Discuss your desire to quit smoking with your doctor and find a support group in your area.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 9 Step 6. Avoid sudden changes in air pressure
Changes in air pressure cause pressure in the lungs to collapse again. Therefore, avoid situations like this during recovery.
- Don't get on an airplane. If you must travel, take a car, bus or train. If this is not possible, you should postpone the trip at another time, when the doctor has allowed you to board an airplane.
- Avoid highland areas. Do not climb into tall buildings, mountains, and hikes until recovery is complete.
- During recovery, resist the urge to swim underwater, especially diving.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 10 Step 7. Do not drive the vehicle until you are completely healed
Reaction times will often slow down after you have a collapsed lung due to pain and medications, as well as the effects of surgery and other treatments on the body. Before driving a vehicle, make sure the pain is gone and the reaction time is back to normal. Consult a doctor if you are not sure when it is safe to drive a vehicle.
Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step 11 Step 8. Observe if lung collapse recurs
In general, there are no long-term health effects after a collapsed lung heals. However, once you have had a collapsed lung, there is a chance that the condition will come back.
- Up to 50% of people have had a relapse of lung collapse, which usually occurs several months after the first attack. Be aware of the symptoms that appear during this time.
- Seek medical help immediately if you think you are experiencing symptoms of lung collapse again.
- After experiencing a collapsed lung, breathing may feel strange at first. Discomfort and a pulling sensation in the chest may appear for several months after treatment. This is normal and usually not a sign of another collapse.
Tips
Lung collapse is known to occur when undergoing activities that involve sudden changes in air pressure, such as when flying, diving, and climbing mountains. If you do these activities, be aware of the symptoms of lung collapse
