What is pneumothorax caused by?
A pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures, or damage from underlying lung disease. Or it may occur for no obvious reason. Symptoms usually include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. On some occasions, a collapsed lung can be a life-threatening event.
Is a pneumothorax life-threatening?
If air continues to get into the pleural space as someone breathes, this can start to compress the other lung and heart. This is called a tension pneumothorax and can be life-threatening. Emergency treatment is needed to release the trapped air. If someone becomes breathless with sudden chest pain, dial 999.
How is pneumothorax diagnosed?
A pneumothorax is generally diagnosed using a chest X-ray. In some cases, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be needed to provide more-detailed images. Ultrasound imaging also may be used to identify a pneumothorax.
Can pneumothorax be cured?
A: Yes, it is possible for a small pneumothorax to heal on its own without treatment. In such cases, a person may only require oxygen and rest to make a full recovery.
Can pneumothorax heal itself?
A small pneumothorax may go away on its own over time. You may only need oxygen treatment and rest. The provider may use a needle to allow the air to escape from around the lung so it can expand more fully. You may be allowed to go home if you live near the hospital.
Can stress cause a pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax patients may be included in a high-risk group of severe stress, particularly elderly patients, who can be more fragile and therefore more at risk from a pneumothorax or its related treatment.
How painful is a pneumothorax?
The typical symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the chest, which suddenly develops. The pain is usually made worse by breathing in (inspiration). You may become breathless. As a rule, the larger the pneumothorax, the more breathless you become.
How long do pneumothorax take to heal?
Pneumothorax Recovery It usually takes 1 or 2 weeks to recover from pneumothorax.
Can pneumothorax be cured completely?
Treatment. A small pneumothorax may go away on its own over time. You may only need oxygen treatment and rest. The provider may use a needle to allow the air to escape from around the lung so it can expand more fully.
What helps a pneumothorax heal?
Treatment options may include observation, needle aspiration, chest tube insertion, nonsurgical repair or surgery. You may receive supplemental oxygen therapy to speed air reabsorption and lung expansion.