A pneumothorax is commonly known as a collapsed lung. The lung and the chest wall are covered by thin membranes called pleura. A collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lungs or leaks through the chest wall and enters the space between the two membranes (pleural cavity). As air builds up, it causes the nearby lung to collapse. A collapsed lung is usually caused by an injury to the lungs or chest wall.
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Treatment
A collapsed lung can be treated in various ways. Your doctor will choose the right treatment based on several factors, including the size and location of the collapsed lung and your medical condition.
The treatment for pneumothorax includes the following.
- Careful observation by a doctor to see if the condition corrects itself on its own.
- Removal of the air from the pleural cavity with a needle and syringe.
- Removal of the air from the pleural cavity by inserting a hollow plastic tube, called a chest tube, between the ribs and attaching it to a suction device.
Prevention
Most cases of collapsed lung cannot be prevented. However, some lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing the types of lung disease associated with this problem. Moreover, wearing safety seat belt in the car can help avoid risk of chest injuries and collapsed lung caused by trauma.
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