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We have extensive thoracic oncology knowledge, expertise and writing experience. Scuba diving and dysbarism. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Hallifax R, Rahman NM. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. Raja AS. Thoracic trauma. Editorial team. Collapsed lung pneumothorax. The medical name of this condition is pneumothorax. Tall, thin people and smokers are more at risk for a collapsed lung.
Lung diseases can also increase the chance of getting a collapsed lung. Common symptoms of a collapsed lung include: Sharp chest or shoulder pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough Shortness of breath Nasal flaring from shortness of breath A larger pneumothorax causes more severe symptoms, including: Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen Chest tightness Lightheadedness and near fainting Easy fatigue Abnormal breathing patterns or increased effort of breathing Rapid heart rate Shock and collapse.
Exams and Tests. Tests that may be ordered include: Chest x-ray Arterial blood gases and other blood tests CT scan if other injuries or conditions are suspected Electrocardiogram ECG.
Some people with a collapsed lung need extra oxygen. Outlook Prognosis. If you have a collapsed lung, you are more likely to have another one in the future if you: Are tall and thin Continue to smoke Have had two collapsed lung episodes in the past How well you do after having a collapsed lung depends on what caused it. Possible Complications. A collapsed lung pneumothorax is a buildup of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall.
As more air builds up in this space, the pressure against the lung makes the lung collapse. This causes shortness of breath and chest pain because your lung cannot fully expand.
A collapsed lung is usually caused by an injury to the chest, but it may also occur suddenly without an injury because of a lung illness, such as emphysema or lung fibrosis. Your lung may collapse after lung surgery or another medical procedure.
Sometimes it happens for no known reason in an otherwise healthy person spontaneous pneumothorax. Treatment depends on the cause of the collapse. It may heal with rest, although your doctor will want to keep track of your progress. It can take several days for the lung to expand again. Your doctor may have drained the air with a needle or tube inserted into the space between your chest and the collapsed lung.
If you have a chest tube, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about how to care for the tube. You may need further treatment if you are not getting better.
Surgery is sometimes needed to keep the lung inflated. The doctor will want to keep track of your progress, so you will need a follow-up examination within a few days. The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later.
If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:. Author: Healthwise Staff.
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