Collapsed Lung Advice - Pneumothorax

A pneumothorax is also known as a collapsed lung. It is basically the accumulation of air inside the pleural cavity. A pneumothorax if left untreated can be deadly. Below are some of the symptoms and treatments available.

The main symptom of a collapsed lung is shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms however could be the result of a multitude of other problems so if you experience these symptoms you should get yourself to a doctor or hospital immediately.

Other symptoms of a pneumothorax can include a dry and persistent cough, Upper body and arm soreness and a wheezing sound when breathing.

A doctor can diagnose a pneumothorax through a variety of different methods. An x-ray will easily show up a collapsed lung. A stethoscope will also pick up the reduced breath sounds emitted from a collapsed lung. The doctor may also tap your chest to listen for the difference in thuds that are produced from each side of your lung.

Once you have been diagnosed with a collapsed lung, the treatment can begin. A small pneumothorax may easily repair on it's own. Your doctor may also give you oxygen through a mask as this has been shown to speed up recovery. More severe cases require a tube to be placed through the chest into the lung to equalize the pressure.

If a collapsed lung keep reoccurring, the doctor may recommend pleurodesis. Pleurodesis is the insertion of a talc like substance that causes your chest cavity to become inflamed and weep. This is then used to stick the lung to, which in turn prevents the lung from being able to collapse. This operation is especially needed for people who have had multiple or severe lung collapses.

Tall, thin, young males are most at risk of having a pneumothorax. Also those who smoke, have lung cancer, blebs or any other lung problems are also highly at risk.

If you believe you may have a pneumothorax or have any of these symptoms, it is vital to see your doctor or go straight to the hospital straight away.

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