Collapsed lung how long can you go

Collapsed lung pneumothorax. The medical name of this condition is pneumothorax. Tall, thin people and smokers are more at risk for a collapsed lung. Lung diseases can also increase the chance of getting a collapsed lung. Common symptoms of a collapsed lung include: Sharp chest or shoulder pain, made worse by a deep breath or a cough Shortness of breath Nasal flaring from shortness of breath A larger pneumothorax causes more severe symptoms, including: Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen Chest tightness Lightheadedness and near fainting Easy fatigue Abnormal breathing patterns or increased effort of breathing Rapid heart rate Shock and collapse.

Exams and Tests. Tests that may be ordered include: Chest x-ray Arterial blood gases and other blood tests CT scan if other injuries or conditions are suspected Electrocardiogram ECG. Some people with a collapsed lung need extra oxygen.

Outlook Prognosis. If you have a collapsed lung, you are more likely to have another one in the future if you: Are tall and thin Continue to smoke Have had two collapsed lung episodes in the past How well you do after having a collapsed lung depends on what caused it. Possible Complications. Complications may include any of the following: Another collapsed lung in the future Shock , if there are serious injuries or infection, severe inflammation, or fluid in the lung develops.

When to Contact a Medical Professional. Clinical Trials. Article: Risk of pneumothorax in pneumoconiosis patients in Taiwan: a retrospective cohort Collapsed Lung -- see more articles. Reference Desk. Find an Expert. Patient Handouts. Other risk factors include:. Potential complications vary, depending on the size and severity of the pneumothorax as well as the cause and treatment. Sometimes air may continue to leak if the opening in the lung won't close or pneumothorax may recur.

Pneumothorax care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Collapsed and normal lung Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Collapsed and normal lung In a collapsed lung, air from the lung leaks into the chest cavity. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. Pneumothorax, spontaneous. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor If you have a bandage over your chest tube, or the place where the chest tube was inserted, keep it clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions on bandage care.

If you go home with a tube in place, follow the doctor's directions. Do not adjust the tube in any way. This could break the seal or cause other problems. Keep the tube dry. Avoid any movements that require your muscles, especially your chest muscles, to strain.

Such movements include laughing hard, bearing down to have a bowel movement, and heavy lifting. Try not to cough. Do not fly in an airplane until your doctor tells you it is okay. Avoid any situations where there is increased air pressure.

Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.

These can increase your chances of quitting for good. For example, call if: You have severe trouble breathing. You passed out lost consciousness. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have new or worse trouble breathing. You have new pain or your pain gets worse.