About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 22, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A

Collapsed Lung (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Collapsed Lung Prognosis

  • The prognosis of pneumothorax depends on its cause.
    • For a spontaneous pneumothorax, there is an increased risk for another collapsed lung in the future.
    • If no tension is present, the condition is easily treated by removal of the air, which re-expands the lung and returns lung function to normal after a few days.
    • Tension pneumothorax is life-threatening and may be fatal.
  • Some scarring to the pleura develops after treatment and can result in intermittent, sharp, localized, chest pain over the short term.
  • In general, once the pneumothorax has healed, there is no long-term effect on health. However, spontaneous pneumothorax can recur in up to 50% of people.

Must Read Articles Related to Collapsed Lung

Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is performed to view the inside of a person's airway and lungs. There are two types of bronchoscopy, 1) rigid bronchoscopy and 2) flexible bronchos...learn more >>
Chest Pain
Chest Pain Chest pain has many causes. Life-threatening causes include heart attack, angina, aortic dissection, perforated viscus, pulmonary embolism, collapsed lung, and ...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Pneumothorax - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your pneumothorax?

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Pneumothorax »

Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies