Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

Overview

A collapsed lung can happen with no cause in tall, thin young people, or from lung disease or chest injury.

Small ones may heal with oxygen and rest; larger ones need a chest tube.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath

Less common

• Fast breathing
• Dry cough
• Fast heartbeat

Look up a symptom: Getting winded easily with activity or stairs · Racing or pounding heartbeat

When to get medical care

Causes

Air leak.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray.

Treatment

Get care.

Self-care

• Avoid flying and scuba diving until cleared
• Rest
• Avoid flying until cleared
• Avoid diving

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Smokers: Much higher risk of repeat.
• Tall, thin young men: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatable.

Most heal with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• How do I lower the chance it happens again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)