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Reinflation of a Collapsed Lung

Reinflation of a Collapsed Lung

Reinflation of a Collapsed Lung

Pneumothorax, also called collapsed lung, occurs when a trauma or chest injury leads to leakage of air between the lung and chest wall. This leakage causes air to build up in the pleural space, resulting in either partial or full collapse of the lung. Pneumothorax can also occur due to non-traumatic injuries, such as individuals with a family history of certain respiratory conditions, smokers, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pneumothorax is an emergency medical condition, and therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate and prompt medical attention. 

At Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Department of Accident and Emergency Care attends patients with trauma- and non-trauma-induced pneumothorax by employing state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to ensure comprehensive care and management with minimal complications and optimal results. This process of reinflation of a collapsed lung is supervised by eminent and experienced specialists and is backed by dedicated technicians, support staff, and nursing staff. The department utilises a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to tailor treatment plans and assist patients with emotional and physical support in their recovery journey.

 

FAQ's

Some signs and symptoms that are associated with collapsed lungs include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent cough
  • Increased breathing and heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Transition of nails, skin, or lips to blue due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
     

Several reasons contribute to the manifestation of collapsed lungs, some of which include:

  • Existing risk and lifestyle factors, such as family history, smoking, and drug abuse. Moreover, males tend to get diagnosed with collapsed lungs compared to females. 
  • Lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, Marfan’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lung cancer of early and advanced stages.
  • Traumatic injuries, such as gunshots, blunt trauma, and knife wounds
  • Chest injuries, such as car accidents
  • Injuries due to medical error, also called iatrogenic pneumothorax
  • Individuals with mechanical breathing assistance
  • Development of small air blisters or blebs in the lungs, causing leakage of air in pleural space
     

Based on your symptoms, medical background, and family history, specialists perform a physical examination, which involves listening to your lungs, and other evaluations, such as imaging tests like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan), or a chest X-ray. In some cases, specialists may employ an arterial blood gas test to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels present in the lungs. Certain pneumothorax types, such as tension pneumothorax (air is entered but cannot escape, creating immense pressure inside the lung), are identified based on symptoms.

Various surgical or non-surgical interventions are performed to reinflate the collapsed lung, some of which include the following:

  • Watchful waiting for minor lung collapses
  • Interventions such as Chest Tube Insertion or Needle Aspiration
  • Non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures like Chemical Pleurodesis or Thoracentesis
  • Surgical procedures, such as Thoroscopy or Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), Thoracotomy, or Lobectomy, based on the condition of your lung
     

Interventions such as Needle Aspiration or Chest Tube Insertion are employed if the larger portion of the lung collapses. Needle Aspiration involves the administration of a catheter into the pleural cavity. Using a syringe, the air is extracted from the pleural cavity. On the other hand, Chest Tube Insertion involves the insertion of a tube in the chest to reduce air present in the pleural cavity. The lung re-expands as the air is drained through the tube. Depending on the severity of the condition, the tube will be in place for 2 to 5 days or longer.

If surgery is recommended to address your condition, general anaesthesia or moderate sedation will be administered to minimise any discomfort that can occur. Sometimes you will be provided oxygen therapy to aid in the absorption of air and facilitate the healing process. Pain management medications will be prescribed by our specialists to reduce any pain or discomfort that may arise post-surgery. Moreover, our specialists will provide post-care instructions and may recommend rehabilitation to optimise your recovery. 

Some complications or risks that may occur during or after the pneumothorax treatment include:

  • Misdiagnosis, particularly in the case of tension pneumothorax or pneumothorax. Needle Aspiration performed in pneumothorax can cause lung laceration, which, although rare, leads to haemothorax or pulmonary injury.
  • Intercostal neurovascular damage and lung parenchymal injury in thoracostomy tube placement, especially if trocars are used
  • Increased postoperative bleeding following Lung Transplantation
  • Accidental disconnection or malposition of the Heimlich valve used in the Chest Drainage procedure. 
  • Failure to treat the underlying cause
  • Pleural space infection
  • Systemic or cutaneous infection
  • Acute respiratory distress
  • Reexpansion pulmonary oedema
  • Pain at the chest tube insertion site
  • Prolonged duration of tube drainage and hospitalisation
     

Recovery time for a collapsed lung depends on the extent of your collapsed lung, its cause, and the treatment received. You will stay in the hospital post-surgery for at least two days or longer, depending on the type of treatment. For individuals undergoing Pleurodiesis, recovery may span up to two or three weeks. Recovery time for a punctured lung generally ranges from a few days to two weeks. General post-care instructions include:

  • Avoid air travel for at least 7 days post-procedure
  • Unless a preventative procedure is performed, refrain from scuba diving and other water-related activities that endanger your lungs.
  • Abstain from smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Adhere to follow-up appointments and medications prescribed by our specialists.
     

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