In more severe cases, symptoms will develop rapidly and may lead to shock. 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 examination and a chest X-ray.
Your doctor may also perform blood tests to measure the level of oxygen in your blood. A computed tomography CT scan or ultrasound may be needed to diagnose the severity of your condition and help plan your treatment.
A minor pneumothorax may only require observation by your doctor; in some cases, oxygen may be given through a mask. More serious cases are treated by inserting a needle or a chest tube into the chest cavity. Both of these procedures relieve the pressure on the lung and allow it to re-expand.
Surgery may be needed if the original treatment does not work or if the pneumothorax returns. If you have had one pneumothorax, you have an increased risk for another. Nearly all recurrences happen within 2 years of the first pneumothorax. If you smoke, quitting smoking can reduce your risk of another pneumothorax. Author: Healthwise Staff.
Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. 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. 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. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional.
If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. When should you call for help?
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