Collapsed lungs, also called pneumothorax, occur when air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. As a result, breathing problems, chest pain, low blood pressure, and even death can occur.
A collapsed lung can be caused by various factors, such as:
Injuries to the chest, such as car accidents, gunshot wounds, or stab wounds, can damage the lungs and allow air to escape.
Certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, or lung cancer, can weaken the lung tissue.
During some medical procedures, such as a biopsy, chest tube insertion, or mechanical ventilation, a needle or a tube can accidentally puncture the lung, causing a pneumothorax.
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in young, thin, tall male smokers without any apparent cause. A secondary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in people with underlying lung diseases.
The symptoms of a collapsed lung may vary depending on the extent and the cause of the collapse. Some common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath: This is the most common symptom of a pneumothorax, as the affected lung cannot expand properly and provide enough oxygen to the body.
Chest pain: This is usually a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. The pain may radiate to the shoulder or the back.
Cough: A dry, unproductive cough may occur as a result of the irritation of the lung tissue.
Rapid heartbeat: The heart may beat faster to compensate for the reduced oxygen supply to the body.
Bluish skin: This is a sign of cyanosis, which means that the blood is not getting enough oxygen. This can occur in severe cases of pneumothorax.
A collapsed lung can be diagnosed by a physical examination and some tests, such as:
Chest X-ray: This is the most common test to confirm a pneumothorax, as it can show the presence and the size of the air pocket in the chest cavity.
CT scan: This is a more detailed imaging test that can provide more information about the cause and the extent of the lung collapse.
Ultrasound: This is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the chest organs. It can help detect a pneumothorax in situations where an X-ray or a CT scan is not available or feasible.
Blood tests: These can help assess the oxygen level and the acid-base balance of the blood, as well as rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The treatment of a collapsed lung depends on the cause, the size, and the severity of the pneumothorax. Some possible treatments include:
The patient may be monitored closely for any signs of worsening or complications if a pneumothorax is small and stable. Active treatment may not be required, since the air may be reabsorbed by the body with time.
By inserting a thin needle into the chest wall and into the pleural space, the air can be drawn out with a syringe. This relieves the pressure and allows the lung to expand again.
Pneumothorax recurrence can be prevented by insertion of a chest tube through the chest wall and into the pleural space. The air is then drained out with a suction device.
In cases where other therapies have failed or are not suitable, surgery can be used to identify and repair the source of the air leak, either by stitching, stapling, or removing the affected lung tissue.
Some measures that may help prevent or reduce the risk of a collapsed lung include:
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the lung tissue and increase the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax. Quitting smoking can improve the lung function and health.
Avoid or acclimatize to high altitude: High altitude can cause low air pressure, causing the lungs to expand and rupture.
When you have a lung disease or a history of pneumothorax, follow your doctor's advice on how to manage it and prevent complications. This may include taking medications, avoiding triggers, and having regular checkups.
