Hi there, I'm Dr. Alex, a thoracic surgeon with over 15 years of experience specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of chest-related conditions, including collapsed lungs. I'd be happy to explain how a collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, heals.

*

A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax**, occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of your lung and makes it collapse either partially or completely. Understanding how a pneumothorax heals requires understanding the normal physiology of the pleural space and the body's natural healing mechanisms.

**Normal Pleural Physiology

The pleural space** is the area between the two thin membranes (pleura) that line the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. Normally, this space contains a small amount of fluid, which acts as a lubricant, allowing the lungs to expand and contract smoothly with breathing. The pressure within the pleural space is negative compared to atmospheric pressure, which helps keep the lungs inflated.

**Causes of Pneumothorax**

Several things can cause a pneumothorax, including:

* **Trauma:** This can be anything from a rib fracture puncturing the lung to a stab or gunshot wound.
* **Spontaneous Pneumothorax:** This type occurs without an obvious cause and is more common in tall, thin men and smokers. It happens due to small air sacs (blebs) on the lung surface that rupture, leaking air into the pleural space.
* **Medical Procedures:** Certain medical procedures, such as lung biopsies, can also cause a pneumothorax.

**Healing Process**

The healing of a pneumothorax involves a combination of the following:

1. **Air Reabsorption:** The body naturally absorbs air from the pleural space, albeit slowly. The rate of absorption depends on the size of the pneumothorax and other factors like the patient's overall health.

2. **Pleural Fluid Dynamics:** The pleural space has a natural ability to clear fluid and air. The small blood vessels (capillaries) lining the pleura can absorb air and fluid, helping to restore the negative pressure and re-expand the lung.

3. **Lung Re-expansion:** As the air is absorbed and the pressure difference is restored, the lung begins to re-expand gradually. The elasticity of the lung tissue itself aids in this process.

**Treatment and Healing Time**

The treatment for a pneumothorax depends on its size and cause, as well as the patient's symptoms.

* **Observation:** Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own with just observation and supplemental oxygen therapy to speed up air reabsorption.
* **Needle Aspiration or Chest Tube Placement:** Larger pneumothoraces require intervention to remove the air from the pleural space. This can be done with a needle aspiration, where a needle is inserted into the chest to draw out the air, or by placing a chest tube connected to a suction device.
* **Surgery:** In cases of recurrent pneumothorax or if the lung fails to re-expand, surgery may be necessary. This usually involves identifying and closing the air leak in the lung, sometimes along with a procedure called pleurodesis. Pleurodesis involves irritating the pleural surfaces, causing them to stick together and prevent future air leaks.

The healing time for a pneumothorax varies widely depending on these factors. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the lung to fully re-expand, and even longer for the body to fully heal from any underlying injuries or procedures.

**Factors Affecting Healing**

Several factors can influence the healing process:

* **Size of the Pneumothorax:** Larger pneumothoraces generally take longer to heal than smaller ones.
* **Underlying Lung Disease:** People with pre-existing lung conditions like emphysema or COPD may have a slower healing process.
* **Smoking:** Smoking significantly impairs lung healing and increases the risk of complications.
* **Overall Health:** Good overall health and nutrition support the body's natural healing mechanisms.

It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and monitor for potential complications. If you experience any worsening symptoms, such as increased shortness of breath or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

read more >>

A chest tube may be used and left in place for several days. In some cases, surgery may be needed. The prognosis of pneumothorax depends on its cause. In most cases once the pneumothorax has healed, there is no long-term effect on health, but spontaneous pneumothorax can recur in up to 50% of people.read more >>