A large syringe with a three-way tap is attached to the thin tube that is inserted through the chest. The syringe sucks out some air and the three-way tap is turned. The air in the syringe is then expelled into the atmosphere. This is repeated until most of the air of the pneumothorax is removed.
Sometimes a larger tube is inserted into the chest to remove a large pneumothorax. This is more commonly needed for cases of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax when there is underlying lung disease. Commonly, the tube is left there for a few days to allow the lung tissue that has torn to heal. This is a rare complication. It causes shortness of breath that quickly becomes more and more severe.
This occurs when the tear on the lung acts like a one-way valve. In effect, each breath in inspiration pumps more air out of the lung; however, the valve action stops air coming back into the lung to equal the air pressure.
The volume and pressure of the pneumothorax increases. This puts pressure on the lungs and heart. Emergency treatment is needed to release the trapped air. Note : it can be dangerous to fly if you have a pneumothorax. Do not fly until you have the 'all clear' from your doctor following a pneumothorax. Also, do not go to remote places where access to medical care is limited until you have the 'all clear' from a doctor.
Some people have repeated episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax. If this occurs, a procedure may be advised with the aim of preventing the condition from coming back. For example, an operation is an option if the part of the lung that tears and leaks air out is identified. It may be a small bleb on the lung surface, which can be removed. Another procedure that may be advised is for an irritant powder usually a kind of talc powder to be put on the lung surface. This causes inflammation which then makes the lung surface stick to the inside of the chest wall.
A lung specialist will be able to give the pros and cons of the different procedures. Symptoms may include: Shortness of breath dyspnea , which may be mild to severe, depending on how much of the lung is collapsed.
Sudden, severe, and sharp chest pain on the same side as the collapsed lung. How is a pneumothorax diagnosed? How is it treated? What are the chances that a pneumothorax will return? Related Information Chest Problems. Spontaneous pneumothorax, search date January BMJ Clinical Evidence. Credits Current as of: February 24, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information. Previous Section: References Top of the page.
Current as of: February 24, Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. If you have a bandage over your chest tube, or the place where the chest tube was inserted, keep it clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions on bandage care. If you go home with a tube in place, follow the doctor's directions. Do not adjust the tube in any way. This could break the seal or cause other problems. Keep the tube dry. Avoid any movements that require your muscles, especially your chest muscles, to strain.
Such movements include laughing hard, bearing down to have a bowel movement, and heavy lifting. Try not to cough. Do not fly in an airplane until your doctor tells you it is okay. Avoid any situations where there is increased air pressure. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.
These can increase your chances of quitting for good. For example, call if: You have severe trouble breathing. You passed out lost consciousness. However, a small pneumothorax may heal on its own. The main symptoms of a pneumothorax are sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Severity of symptoms may depend on how much of the lung is collapsed. Symptoms of a pneumothorax can be caused by a variety of health problems, and some can be life-threatening, so seek medical attention.
If your chest pain is severe or breathing becomes increasingly difficult, get immediate emergency care. In general, men are far more likely to have a pneumothorax than women are. The type of pneumothorax caused by ruptured air blisters is most likely to occur in people between 20 and 40 years old, especially if the person is very tall and underweight.
Underlying lung disease or mechanical ventilation can be a cause or a risk factor for a pneumothorax.
Other risk factors include:. Potential complications vary, depending on the size and severity of the pneumothorax as well as the cause and treatment. Sometimes air may continue to leak if the opening in the lung won't close or pneumothorax may recur. Pneumothorax care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
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