A collapsed lung, medically termed a pneumothorax, occurs when air collects in the space surrounding the lung. This air exerts pressure, preventing the lung from fully expanding. While breathing is still possible, its capacity is significantly reduced. The severity of this impairment varies depending on how much of the lung has collapsed.
Understanding a Collapsed Lung
The lungs reside within the chest cavity, enveloped by two thin membranes called pleura. Between these layers is a narrow space, the pleural space, which normally contains fluid allowing the lungs to glide smoothly. When air enters this space, it disrupts the negative pressure that keeps the lung expanded. This air presses against the lung, causing it to collapse. The extent of the collapse can range from partial to complete, directly influencing breathing.
Impact on Breathing and Common Symptoms
A collapsed lung reduces available lung tissue for oxygen exchange. This compromises the ability to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Individuals often experience sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, which can be sharp and worsen with deep breaths or coughing. This pain may also radiate to the shoulder.
Reduced oxygen intake can cause rapid breathing and an increased heart rate. In more extensive collapses, other signs may appear, such as chest tightness or fatigue. The severity of these symptoms corresponds to the size of the pneumothorax.
Common Causes and Who is at Risk
Collapsed lungs have spontaneous and traumatic causes. Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without external injury, divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) often affects healthy individuals, frequently young, tall, and thin men, linked to ruptured air-filled blisters on the lung surface. Changes in air pressure, such as during scuba diving or air travel, can contribute to these ruptures.
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) occurs in individuals with underlying lung conditions that damage tissue. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. Traumatic pneumothorax results from direct injury to the chest or lung, such as blunt force or penetrating wounds. Medical procedures can also inadvertently cause a collapsed lung. Smoking is a risk factor for both spontaneous and recurrent pneumothoraces.
What to Do if You Suspect a Collapsed Lung
If you suspect a collapsed lung due to sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical care. Calling emergency services is advisable if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening. Medical professionals will assess the situation.
Diagnosis involves imaging tests to confirm air in the pleural space and determine the collapse’s extent. A chest X-ray is commonly used. CT scans, ultrasound, or blood gas tests may also be performed.
Treatment Approaches and Healing
Treatment for a collapsed lung aims to relieve pressure and allow the lung to re-expand. The approach depends on the collapse’s size, cause, and patient’s overall health. For small pneumothoraces, observation and supplemental oxygen may be sufficient, allowing the air to reabsorb and the lung to heal naturally over several days to two weeks.
Larger collapses or those causing significant symptoms often require medical intervention to remove excess air. One method is needle aspiration. Another common treatment involves inserting a chest tube to continuously drain air until the lung re-expands. If these methods are not effective or if the pneumothorax recurs, surgical procedures may be considered to prevent future collapses. Recovery generally takes one to two weeks, but individuals should avoid strenuous activities, air travel, and scuba diving until cleared by a doctor.