Fort Knox, KY
A 34-year-old female asked:
How could pneumonia be gone 6 weeks and now have atelectasis and pleural effusion?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
Common....: Atelectasis and pleural effusion can both occur with pneumonia. Atelectasis can heal faster if the patient takes frequent deep breaths and the use of an incentive spirometer will help with this. Ask your doctor to prescribe an incentive spirometer for you. The fluid around the lung will get reabsorbed over time. Get a repeat chest xray to make sure your lungs completely heal. Hope you feel better
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
Fort Knox, KY
A 34-year-old female asked:
Should I worry about small atelectasis and small pleural effusion in my lungs 6 weeks after pneumonia? I'm worried
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Probably normal: These changes are typical after pneumonia, but should resolve within 6-12 weeks. Ask whomever was treating you for the pneumonia about the need for a follow up chest X-ray in a couple months. Hope this helps!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Sue Ferranti commented
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
Agree, Dr. EarLe. In addition, ask your doctor for an incentive spirometer, a device that will help you take deep breaths. Use the incentive spirometer at least every hour while you are awake and this will help your lungs to heal faster! Definitely agree with repeat chest x-rays until the x-ray is back to baseline. If you smoke, you need to quit ASAP! Good luck!
Apr 19, 2015
Last updated Dec 30, 2018
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