Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 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

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 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

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 8

can a collapsed lung occur spontaneously? is it possible to only feel it in the back but not in the chest? can you have one and not know it? when is it time to seek care for an odd pain around lung and difficulty taking deep breaths?

Accepted Answer

: yes, a collapsed lung can occur spontaneously.This is referred to as a spontaneous pneumothorax.  Depending on the lobe that has collapsed the discomfort may be in the back but symptoms may vary depending on the size of lung that has collapsed. If it is small you may have no symptoms , if it is large the usual complaint is difficulty breathing.  Any pain around the lung a physician should be seen

Question 9

my 4 year old has a partially collapsed lung due to infection.  i forgot to ask her consultant if she is able to fly.  could anyone advise?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It seems he has atelectasis/consolidation ( scientific for collapse lung). As long as patients do not have chronic lung problems and have normal oxygen level it is ok to fly.

Question 10

i am under 18 and i smoked weed last night not the first time and my left side kinda hurts when i lie on my side and its made a popping sound with pain a couple times , i am really scared if i have a collapsed lung, could a doctor tell i smoked?

Accepted Answer

: No, you do not have a collapsed lung with those symptoms. If you only smoke weed occasionally, you doctor can't tell by the examination unless a urine drug screening test is done. You should stop all the harmful substances if you really care about your health. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

Will a partially collapsed lung re inflate itself over time

A member asked:

Will a partially collapsed lung re inflate itself over time?

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:

Why has my partially collapsed lung remained?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Is there risk of flying with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Could i fly 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:

Can a collapsed lung occur spontaneously? is it possible to only feel it in the back but not in the chest? can you have one and not know it? when is it time to seek care for an odd pain around lung and difficulty taking deep breaths?

A member asked:

My 4 year old has a partially collapsed lung due to infection. i forgot to ask her consultant if she is able to fly. could anyone advise?

A member asked:

I am under 18 and i smoked weed last night not the first time and my left side kinda hurts when i lie on my side and its made a popping sound with pain a couple times , i am really scared if i have a collapsed lung, could a doctor tell i smoked?

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