Australia
A 20-year-old male 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?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 32 years experience
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.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Creighton Wrightanswered
surgery 57 years experience
Unpleasant: It depends on size pneumothorax. While there is a chance for a small one to resorb and be fine, others will, either enlarge, or fibrinous material will "trap" the lung leaving a space that fills with fluid. Restriction of breathing capacity can occur.
The space can get infected=empyema
one is also at risk for recurrent pneumothorax.
Follow your thoracic surgeon advice.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 10, 2015
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