Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Insights

Q: Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Insights

Eric： Your issue is quite complex and may not be suitable for an online response. <br>Generally speaking, recurrent pneumothorax typically requires surgical intervention. <br>The symptoms of a pneumothorax primarily include shortness of breath and chest pain or discomfort. <br>If

The lung is punctured..?

Hello Doctor,
I am a patient with pneumothorax.
My previous two episodes of left-sided pneumothorax were resolved with thoracoscopic surgery.
However, the day before yesterday, I started feeling something unusual in my right chest.
It's not a pain when breathing, but rather a sensation of something moving around in the chest cavity, along with a rapid heartbeat and occasional numbness in my hands and feet (I experienced similar discomfort during my second pneumothorax, which was later confirmed).
After researching numerous websites, I found that most pneumothorax cases do not present with these symptoms.
Yesterday, I had an X-ray that revealed a collapsed lung, but since it is less than 20%, the doctor advised me to rest at home.
I am now worried about whether my lung is still leaking air, which is causing me anxiety.

Is there any way to determine if my lung is still leaking air, or has it stopped and is now allowing the chest cavity to absorb the air? How long does it typically take for the leaked air (considering the 20% collapse) to be fully absorbed? During this absorption period, will my lung be at risk of injury or necrosis? If there is still a leak, should I prepare for intubation? I have a significant fear of intubation; during my previous two thoracoscopic surgeries, I pretended to be tough to avoid worrying my parents, claiming it was painless.
However, I realize that intubation involves cutting into the chest cavity, which likely results in considerable blood loss.
Could this have adverse effects on my body?
Even after two intubations, I still feel very anxious.
How can I manage my emotions if I experience a recurrence?
Wishing you well,
Eric

Eric, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/18

Dr. Zhang Zhengda reply Pulmonology

Eric: Your issue is quite complex and may not be suitable for an online response.
Generally speaking, recurrent pneumothorax typically requires surgical intervention.
The symptoms of a pneumothorax primarily include shortness of breath and chest pain or discomfort.
If the pneumothorax is only 20%, it can be monitored initially.
However, how can one determine if the lung is still leaking? It is advisable to have a chest X-ray every three to five days to check for improvement.
Of course, your own perception of symptoms is crucial; if you feel significantly worse, you should go to the emergency room immediately.
Please consult an experienced thoracic surgeon for a diagnosis; for example, in the southern region, I recommend Dr.
Ming-He Wu, the head of thoracic surgery at National Cheng Kung University.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Dr.
Cheng-Da Chang.

Reply Date: 2004/08/18

More Info

Hello Eric,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your pneumothorax condition. It's understandable to feel anxious, especially after experiencing multiple episodes of pneumothorax and undergoing surgical interventions. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding symptoms, risks, and recovery.

Understanding Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or fully. Symptoms can vary, but common ones include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. However, as you've experienced, some patients may have atypical symptoms, such as a sensation of movement in the chest or increased heart rate, which can be distressing.

Symptoms and Monitoring
In your case, the sensation of something moving in your chest and the quickened heart rate could be related to anxiety or the body's response to the pneumothorax. It's important to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience worsening pain, difficulty breathing, or any new symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

To determine if your lung is still leaking air, doctors typically rely on imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans. If your X-ray shows less than 20% collapse and your doctor has advised you to rest at home, it suggests that they believe the pneumothorax is stable. However, if you continue to feel uneasy, it might be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of follow-up imaging to assess the situation further.

Recovery and Air Absorption
Regarding the absorption of air in the pleural space, it can take time for the body to reabsorb the air, typically ranging from a few days to weeks, depending on the size of the pneumothorax and individual healing factors. During this time, the lung can gradually re-expand as the air is absorbed. Generally, a small pneumothorax (less than 20%) may resolve on its own without the need for invasive procedures, but close monitoring is essential.

Risks of Lung Damage
While the lung is reabsorbing air, it is generally not at risk of permanent damage if the pneumothorax is small and stable. However, if the air leak continues, it could lead to complications, including a larger pneumothorax or tension pneumothorax, which is a medical emergency. If you suspect that your pneumothorax is worsening, do not hesitate to seek medical help.

Emotional and Psychological Support
Your fear of re-insertion of a chest tube or undergoing surgery again is completely valid. Many patients experience anxiety related to past medical procedures. It may be beneficial to discuss these feelings with your healthcare provider, who can offer support or refer you to a mental health professional. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies can help manage anxiety.

Conclusion
In summary, while your current situation may feel daunting, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare team. They can provide reassurance and guidance tailored to your specific condition. If you have persistent concerns or symptoms, do not hesitate to return for further evaluation. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health.
Wishing you a smooth recovery and peace of mind. Take care, Eric.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have a spontaneous pneumothorax, and before I was aware of it, I experienced symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and tightness in my neck. Are these symptoms associa...

Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao He: The common symptoms of pneumothorax include chest pain and shortness of breath, although some patients may be asymptomatic and discover the condition during a physical examination. This means that symptoms can vary from person to person. Typically, symptoms will i...

Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery, Risks, and Travel Considerations

Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident on October 20th, and it seems that the airbag deployed and impacted my chest, leading to a pneumothorax and collapse of my left lung. I was taken to the emergency room, where they performed intubation and drainage, but I believe no surgery wa...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Your condition is post-traumatic pneumothorax combined with hemothorax, not spontaneous pneumothorax. Unless your CT scan shows abnormal dilated alveoli (bullae) in the normal lung areas, it cannot be assumed that you have a chance of developing spontaneous pneumothorax...

Understanding Pneumothorax: Impact on Exercise and Recovery

Hello Doctor, I usually exercise regularly, but the week before last, I choked on a drink and ended up with a pneumothorax. At first, I didn't understand what a pneumothorax was, and I continued to exercise, running and doing push-ups, which only caused mild pain. However, d...

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, in the future, the likelihood of experiencing a pneumothorax is higher than that of the general population. It is advisable to avoid activities or movements that involve rapid changes in air pressure. Best wishes for your health, Dr. Chou-Tzu-Kuang.

Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

I heard that pneumothorax is more likely to occur in tall, thin males. I am 180 cm tall and weigh 60 kg, and I had asthma when I was younger. Should I be concerned? My weight often fluctuates, and if I become thinner, will that increase my risk? What are the warning signs of pneu...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is common to find abnormal lung tissue resembling bubbles in the upper part of the upper lobes, which can act like ticking time bombs. Symptoms can range from chest pain and shortness of breath to hemothorax and shock, which I have encountered. Typically, patients do no...