A member asked:

Is a sudden collapsed lung bad and can you die from it?

6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Sunil Mehra answered

Specializes in Pulmonology

Possible: Can be life threateningtension pneumothorax is life threatening emergency if not treated fast and.

Answered 7/1/2020

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Yes and Yes: A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) can occur following chest trauma or spontaneously, usually associated with an underlying weakness in the lung (bleb). Left untreated, pressure within the chest cavity can compress the flow of blood to and from the heart, which can be life-threatening. Thankfully, this can be easily treated by placing a chest tube into the affected chest cavity.

Answered 9/17/2017

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Dr. Loki Skylizard answered

Specializes in Thoracic Surgery

Yes: If the pneumothorax creates enough pressure, it can compress the right side of the heart. This decreases the blood return to the heart. Without adequate blood return, your heart does not have enough blood to pump out to your body. This can be rapidly fatal.

Answered 5/11/2015

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