How Do I Know If My Lung Is Collapsed? Simple Guide For Everyone
Everytime we breathe in our lungs inflate but if they stop inflating that means that they have collapsed. In other words, a collapsed lung is known as pneumothorax. This condition must not be left untreated due to the lack of oxygen which can have adverse effects on other organs.
Causes Of Lung Collapse
It is vital to know the causes of spontaneous pneumothorax, in other words, when the cause is unknown. This condition may occur alongside an underlying disease or it may also result from an injury, so it is possible for the doctor to identify the cause of your spontaneous pneumothorax. The major causes of a collapsed lung are
Having air pockets in the lungs,
Lung injury,
Pulmonary diseases such as copd, tuberculosis, asthma, or emphysema,
Being on a ventilator,
Lungs or heart surgeries.
Lung infections, fractures that lead to lung puncture, ruptured air sacs that lead to loss of air, COPD, and smoking are also some of the major reasons why lungs can collapse.
Symptoms Of Lung Collapse
The symptoms of pneumothorax are sudden and may vary from person to person. In addition, the seriousness of a lung collapse depends on the level of damage and the pre-existing conditions. Therefore, it is of extreme importance to visit a medical professional if you have any of the following symptoms:
Sharp chest pain,
Difficult breathing or shortness of breath,
Rapid breathing,
Racing or fast heart rate that can happen due to the strain, low oxygen levels, or pain,
Dry cough,
Feeling especially tired,
Inability to take deep breaths.
It is also vital to observe if you have blue lips or nail beds which would indicate that your body is not getting enough oxygen.
Is Lung Collapse An Emergency?
A lung collapse sometimes leads to tension pneumothorax which means that the pressure in your chest cavity has increased, hence the need for emergency medical care. In addition, if you have any of the following symptoms you should call emergency services
Difficulty breathing,
Intense chest pain,
Low blood pressure,
Restlessness and confusion,
Blue lips or nail beds,
Fainting or loss of consciousness.
The emergency responders will try to drain excess air from your lungs. Moreover, the medical staff can also give you specific instructions based on your condition.
How Is Lung Collapse Diagnosed?
A physical examination and reviewing the symptoms usually suffice for diagnosis because the condition is easily visible. The tests for determining a pneumothorax can vary from a simple chest x-ray that will show whether the lung has partially or completely collapsed;
CT scan that can be recommended in order to confirm the diagnosis;
A chest ultrasound. In addition to the mentioned tests, a doctor may prescribe particular blood tests for a tension pneumothorax such as an arterial blood gas test to measure the saturation levels of oxygen in the body in order to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Lung Collapse Treated?
The treatment process for a collapsed lung varies depending on the severity of the condition and the accompanying symptoms. Regardless of the situation, a person with a pneumothorax should always visit a medical facility because the treatment for this condition is usually done in hospitals. There are several treatment options for lung collapse which are
Aspiration
Chest tube
And
Surgery.
Aspiration
This procedure is suitable for smaller collapses with less serious symptoms. The doctor removes the extra air from the lungs with a syringe. The patient is also put under observation and given oxygen therapy. When a big amount of air is taken out of the lungs the aspiration procedure may also be needed.
Chest Tube
The doctor may also decide to place a chest tube in order to drain the excess air from the lungs during aspiration. This method is indicated for larger collapses when there is a bigger amount of air that needs to be taken out of the lungs. Moreover, it is possible that the procedure is needed more than once if there is a persistent leakage of air.
Surgery
Sometimes, a chest collapse requires surgery. This usually happens if the pneumothorax is not treated with aspirations or chest tubes or if there is a possibility that the condition will become chronic. In addition, a surgeon may also recommend a video-assisted procedure for removing the excess air in order to mend the lungs. He or she also has an option of removing the section of the lungs responsible for the collapse in order to prevent future pneumothoraxes by performing a pleurodesis.
Emergency Treatment
If you have a tension pneumothorax, the doctor may remove the excess air from your lungs in order to reduce the pressure. He or she may also place a chest tube with a needle in order to prevent additional complications. It is vital to receive emergency treatment for this condition since it can be life-threatening.
What To Do After Lung Collapse
After being treated for a lung collapse, you should be able to go back to your daily routine after two to six months depending on the severity of the condition. Nevertheless, it is always vital to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Moreover, it is essential to continue taking proper medication while being under observation. In addition to that, you should try not to smoke as much as possible as it can raise the chances of having another pneumothorax. You should also consult your doctor before going on a plane or doing any strenuous activities. When you want to go scuba diving make sure that your doctor gives you a green light.
Can Lung Collapse Be Prevented?
There are certain precautions that can prevent a pneumothorax and they are usually universal for all patients. For example, it is important not to smoke and seek respective treatment for conditions such as COPD or asthma. Moreover, treating infections and preventing lung trauma are also an effective way of preventing a lung collapse. Being healthy is usually the best prevention for various illnesses, including lung infections that lead to pneumothorax.
Conclusion
Pneumothorax is a severe condition that should only be treated by medical professionals. Remember that there is no reason to fear a lung collapse since the various treatments mentioned above can help you get back to your regular life in due time.
