Collapsed Lung Recovery

Lungs are paired organs that are located under the rib cage, on either side of the chest. They play a very important role in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They are lined by a protective two-layered serous membrane called pleura. While the inner membrane is attached to the lungs, the outer one is attached to the chest wall. The space between these two layers is called pleural space. It is filled with a fluid.

As the lungs inflate and deflate during the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, the fluid within these membranes helps these two layers slide over each other. When the lungs inflate or expand by increasing the size of the chest cavity, it results in a negative (vacuum) pressure in the pleural space.

If air gets collected within the pleural space, it causes pressure to build up over the lungs. If the pressure in the pleural space is equal to the pressure outside the body, the lungs collapse as they are unable to expand during inhalation. This condition is medically referred to as pneumothorax.

Lungs could collapse due to blunt or penetrating trauma to the chest during a medical procedure or in the event of an injury. Primary or spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without any trauma due to the rupturing of the air-filled blisters (blebs) on the lung.

Secondary type is observed in people affected by underlying medical conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis. whooping cough, or cystic fibrosis. Heavy smokers and people who use recreational drugs are at a higher risk of developing this condition.

Small or a partial collapse occurs when a small amount of air collects between the lungs and the chest wall. This might not be a medical emergency, but the dip in the levels of oxygen in the blood is most likely to give rise to shortness of breath. 

The symptoms are severe when a large amount of air collects in the pleural space, thereby putting a lot of pressure on the lungs and the heart. Under such circumstances, the affected individual is likely to experience symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Stabbing pain in the chest
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Pain that radiates to the shoulder and the back

At times, the pressure might increase to such an extent that it might lead to cardiovascular dysfunction. This is medically referred to as tension pneumothorax. If left untreated, it could even lead to death.

The earlier this condition is diagnosed and treated, the better would be one's chances of quickly recovering from this condition. If one has been experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain, one must consult a doctor immediately. Doctors will conduct a chest X-ray and arterial blood gas test to diagnose the condition.

The duration of collapsed lung recovery period will also vary depending on the amount of air collected in the pleural space and one's state of health. While one may take a couple of weeks to recover from a partially collapsed lung, one might take longer to recover from a large pneumothorax.

The treatment involves insertion of a needle or a chest tube for the suction of the excess air. If the condition of the patient is severe, he/she might have to be hospitalized for a while. Some patients might require oxygen therapy as well. If there is a recurrence, doctors might recommend surgery. Make sure that you refrain from any activity that may cause stress to the lungs. Since smoking makes one more susceptible to this condition, it's in one's interest to quit smoking soon.

Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition which, if left untreated, can even lead to death. One must, therefore, consult a doctor immediately on experiencing the aforementioned symptoms. A timely diagnosis and treatment will pave the way for a speedy recovery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.