Question 1

what are the symptoms of a collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath and pain are the most common symptoms.  This requires urgent evaluation.

Question 2

why has my partially collapsed lung remained?

Accepted Answer

Atelectasis: Depends on why it collapsed to begin with. If it was a mass pressing on it, need to remove. If it was because of infection and have a hard covering , we need to remove it for the lung to open up.

Question 3

will a partially collapsed lung re inflate itself over time?

Accepted Answer

Maybe it will: A partially collapsed lung is due to an air leak from the inside of the lung through the covering of the lung, out into the space between the lung and the ribs. The site of the leak has some damage, which will heal itself later. If only a very small amount of air leaked into the chest cavity, that air might go away (reabsorbed by the body) without treatment, and the lung will re-inflate.

Question 4

what happens if you try to fly with a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Depends on pressure: When flying with a partly collapsed lung, the leaked air in the chest (between the lung and rib cage) expands as the outside air pressure drops as the plane goes up. The expanding trapped air compresses the lung & heart, leading to shortness of breath, inadequate oxygen intake, poor circulation and death. Flying at low altitudes won't expand the trapped air much, but the plane might hit something.

Question 5

what causes pneumothorax ( collapsed lung) and what are the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Multiple causes: Common causes include chest trauma (like a car accident or a puncture wound to the chest) or medical procedures (like intubation). It can also occur as a complication of lung disease such as emphysema, pneumonia or cancer, or it can happen spontaneously. 
Typical symptoms include sudden onset of shortness of breath and sharp chest pain made worse by inspiration.

Question 6

could i fly with a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

NO: Not a good idea. The airplane air is under prfessure ie pressureized cabin and could increase the ptx  while in flight needing emergency  chest tube placement.

Question 7

is there risk of flying with a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Yes, low pressure: Airline flights typically pressurize cabins to the equivalent of 
being 5000 feet high.  The pressure in the cabin is lower than
while on the ground.  If the lung is partially collapsed and the
air pressure is lower, it is possible to not get enough oxygen.  Would be best to treat and correct the lung collapase and check
oxygen levels prior to flying.

Question 8

could chest pain now be related to a fall 3 months ago that led to a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Possibilities include incomplete healing, or recurrent partial collapse, or the onset of arthritis due to the injury. It could also be something completely unrelated; heart diseases could be the cause for example. Symptoms like these deserve a full evaluation in person by your health care provider.

Question 9

i have a partially collapsed lung. i have had two xrays since, no improvement. what will happen if i don't get the tube to help it re-inflate?

Accepted Answer

Could get worse: A simple collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, can turn into a life-threatening condition called a tension pneumothorax. This can be a sudden event that rapidly progresses to death.

Question 10

can one have small collapsed lung with few symptoms. could this spontaneous collapse be deadly? some studies say that progression to tension is rare.

Accepted Answer

Lung collapse: Unlikely. Pain and shortness of breath. Spontaneous pneumothorax would be rare at your age. exertion related in your age group. Better to just go get a chest x-ray

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Partially collapsed lung symptoms

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of a collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Why has my partially collapsed lung remained?

A member asked:

Will a partially collapsed lung re inflate itself over time?

A member asked:

What happens if you try to fly with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

What causes pneumothorax ( collapsed lung) and what are the symptoms?

A member asked:

Could i fly with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Is there risk of flying with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Could chest pain now be related to a fall 3 months ago that led to a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

I have a partially collapsed lung. i have had two xrays since, no improvement. what will happen if i don't get the tube to help it re-inflate?

A member asked:

Can one have small collapsed lung with few symptoms. could this spontaneous collapse be deadly? some studies say that progression to tension is rare.

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?