A 36-year-old member asked:
Gunshot wound to the left lung, how to heal?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joseph Pfeiferanswered
Trauma Surgery 41 years experience
Quickly, usually: Most GSWs to the lung are treated with a tube in the chest, which expands the lung and causes the bleeding to stop. Only 15% require surgery, usually for severe bleeding. Once the tube is out and the lung expanded, the lung heals quickly, usually a week or two.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Erik Borncampanswered
Wound care 26 years experience
Days to weeks : The fact that you are typing this question means you are doing ok. If you were too sick to type I'd be worried. Most lung gunshots will heal within days and the chest tube can be removed. As long as there are no other hidden injuries you should do well.
676 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 19, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.