We speak of pneumothorax or lung collapse when air escapes from the lung and is trapped between the chest and the lung cavity itself. This problem can be caused by rupture of air bubbles in the lungs, sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, trauma to the chest or rib cage. The increase in pressure causes the collapse of part or the whole lung. This condition must undergo medical treatment and a lot of patience is required during the healing process.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Medical Care
Step 1. Go to the emergency room
Call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain or other symptoms of pneumothorax such as difficulty breathing, noisy breathing through the nose, chest tightness and fatigue.
- If you have suffered a sudden trauma to your chest, your doctor will want to find out if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or if there is blood in your sputum.
- A lung collapse can be caused by several factors. Most often it is due to trauma to the chest or rib cage, but it can also be caused by changes in air pressure and sometimes by certain pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis.
- Call 911 right away if you experience really severe pain in your chest or your breathing suddenly becomes short.
- This condition can get worse quickly, so the sooner you can get treated, the better.
- Once you reach the emergency room, you will undergo some tests to diagnose the collapsed lung. The doctor will examine the chest by listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. He will also check your blood pressure, which will likely be low if you actually have this condition. it will also check for other symptoms such as a bluish appearance of the skin. The definitive diagnosis is defined with an x-ray.
Step 2. Undergo treatments
Based on the severity and type of pneumothorax, your doctor will evaluate which therapy is best suited to your specific case.
- If the lung collapse is not particularly severe, it usually heals on its own, so your doctor may advise you to monitor the situation and rest in bed. Generally the problem disappears after a week or two of observation, rest and a medical examination to verify the effective recovery.
- If the condition of the collapsed lung is severe, a needle and tube will need to be inserted into the chest to draw in air. This procedure involves inserting a needle with a syringe into the chest cavity; the doctor then sucks up the excess air following a method very similar to that required for a blood sample.
- If you do not get positive results with this method, your doctor may recommend surgery as a possible alternative. In many cases, surgery is not very invasive and a small incision may be sufficient. A small fiber optic camera is inserted through this incision that allows the surgeon to see what he is doing when he inserts a long, narrow instrument into the body. At that point the surgeon will look for the openings in the lungs responsible for the air leak and close them by sealing them.
- Treatment times vary based on the severity of the problem, but be prepared to stay in the hospital for a long time. Sometimes it takes a few days before catheters inserted into the chest can be removed. In the case of surgery, many people have to stay hospitalized even 5 or 7 days after the operation.
Step 3. Convalescence begins in the hospital
The healing process begins while you are still hospitalized. Nurses and doctors will take care of your needs.
- When you are in the hospital, you can inquire about the many breathing exercises you can do and whether you can sit or walk to strengthen your lungs.
- If you have had surgery, you will also need to have injections to avoid any blood clots and wear special compression stockings to prevent possible thrombosis.
- Your doctor will explain the treatments you will need to perform at home, the medications and when you can go back to work. Listen carefully to their directions and, if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to clarify them. You need to make sure you understand what is best for you and your body in order to heal perfectly.
Part 2 of 2: Get Home Care
Step 1. Take the medications that have been prescribed for you
Based on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history and any allergies, your doctor will prescribe certain medications to take in the first few weeks after your medical procedure.
- Avoid getting into pain. Take medication right away when you notice you are in pain so you don't have to deal with more pain.
- The first 48-72 hours are the worst in terms of pain, but after this stage the lungs should return to function fairly normally. Pain and discomfort begin to subside, but full recovery typically takes several weeks after the most severe symptoms disappear. You need to be patient and take medications as needed.
Step 2. Rest in bed
Shortness of breath and a sense of exhaustion are among the most common symptoms after a lung collapse. So it is important to rest in bed during the recovery period.
- Before you go back to school or work, you will need to rest in bed for a month or more. Make arrangements with your manager and, if possible, try to work from home.
- It may take a week or two before you fully recover from a pneumothorax, so plan to spend this time in bed.
Step 3. Don't force yourself to resume your normal activities too quickly, as this could trigger another collapse
Make sure you can breathe normally and that the pain is resolved before resuming your household occupations, training, and other strenuous physical activities.
- For the first few days, sleep in a reclined position. Breathing will be quite difficult after a pneumothorax, and the sleeping position may make things easier for you.
- An armchair with a reclining back might be a good solution, as it allows you to sleep in a semi-recumbent position and thus relieves some of the pressure on the chest cavity and lungs.
- The chair also helps you get up and lie down more comfortably. The movements will be painful after lung collapse and this tool will prove invaluable.
Step 4. Be careful with clothing and padding
It is vital that the rib cage is not subjected to unnecessary pressure after the trauma. People are tempted to put on a pad to relieve pain, but if done incorrectly it could be dangerous.
- To find relief from symptoms, you can keep a pillow on your rib cage. This will reduce the pain a little while breathing.
- Do not bandage your chest or ribs, as this will make breathing more difficult and only make the situation worse.
- Wear loose clothing for the first few days. If you use a bra, opt for a sporty model or one that is larger than your size.
Step 5. Don't smoke
If you are a smoker, you must not inhale any type of smoke during the recovery period, so as not to stress the lungs.
- Once the symptoms have resolved, stop smoking altogether. Your doctor will be able to recommend nicotine substitutes (such as patches or injections) to help deal with withdrawal.
- Since smoking increases the risk of relapse, consider quitting. You can ask your doctor about medications and treatments to help you, or you can join a support group.
Step 6. Avoid sudden changes in atmospheric pressure
They put a lot of strain on the lungs and could cause another collapse. For this reason, avoid them during your convalescence.
- Do not travel by plane. If you need to travel, travel by train, bus or car. If an overland trip is not possible, postpone it.
- Don't go to high altitudes during the healing phase. This includes not only the mountain, but also the tall buildings and hiking.
- Do not swim underwater and especially do not dive while you are recovering.
Step 7. Don't drive until you are completely healed
Reaction times are greatly slowed after a pneumothorax, due to pain and medications, as well as the effects of surgery and treatments on the body. Check that the pain has resolved and your reflexes are normal again before you get back behind the wheel. If you don't know when you will be able to drive again, ask your doctor.
Step 8. Pay attention to relapses
There are usually no long-term repercussions once healed. However, lung collapse puts you at risk of relapse.
- About half of people who have suffered from pneumothorax typically have another in the first few months after the first episode. Be very attentive to symptoms during this period.
- If you think you are showing symptoms of a new lung collapse, go to the emergency room right away.
- Breathing may be strange right after an episode of lung collapse. You may experience discomfort or a feeling of chest tightness in the first few months after treatment. This is completely normal and is not usually a sign of a relapse.
