Did you visit the doctor and he checked with the Littmann stethoscope? Does the doctor believe in the possibility of you having a collapsed lung? There may be several questions rushing in your head freaking you out. If that sounds like you, then read until the end to find out more. 

What is Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)?

Pneumothorax is an illness where air is present in the pleural space which is the area between the lungs and chest wall. Also known as Perforated lung or Collapsed lung, this illness causes your lung to partially or completely collapse as a result of air accumulation in the pleural space. 

What are the Types of Pneumothorax? 

After you have been checked with the stethoscopes, a doctor can only have the doubt of you undergoing the illness. However, until the tests are conducted, it becomes hard to declare the stage or confirm if a patient has this illness. Not to mention, find out about the types of Pneumothorax that one may have the chance to experience include 

Type 1: Simple Pneumothorax

This is where tissues and organs between the lungs are not moved.

Type 2: Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

This can be considered as the stage where your lungs may collapse without any signs of injury.

Type 3: Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

In this stage, this illness may happen because of an existing lung disease.

Type 4: Tension 

In this stage, air keeps entering the lungs but it cannot exit. As a result of this, pressure is built in the chest

Type 5: Open 

Open Pneumothorax causes the air to move in and out through an open wound in your chest wall. 

Type 6: Traumatic or Injury-Related 

A chest injury, like a knife wound or fractured rib, puncturing the lung may result in the collapse.

Type 7: Iatrogenic

During a lung biopsy or other medical treatment, when the lung is pierced, it causes Pneumothorax. 

Type 8: Catamenial 

This is extremely unusual, however, it can occur when cysts formed by endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus leak into the area outside of the lungs.

What are the Symptoms of Pneumothorax?

The symptoms of Pneumothorax may range from mild to severe depending on the complexity.  Some of the symptoms to take into account are 

1. i) Lips, nails, and skin tone turning bluish 
2. ii) Stiffness, soreness, or pain in the chest, especially when breathing in 

iii) Coughing 

1. iv) Fatigue 
2. v) Rapid respiration 
3. vi) Rapid heart rate 

vii) Breathlessness 

viii) Pain in the shoulders 

1. ix) Dizziness or a sense that you are going to pass out 

If you think that you are experiencing these symptoms, then it is highly recommended to consult with your healthcare practitioner. 

Is Collapsed Lung a Serious Problem? 

When you go to the doctor, he may first diagnose the problem by listening to your lungs using a Littmann stethoscope from providers like us at MedGuard. Our stethoscopes are of high quality that ensure accuracy and durability. After that, you will be suggested to take several tests, X-rays, CT scans and more. 

Depending on the physical exam results and the extent of lung collapse alongside the origin of the puncture, the seriousness of the issue will be determined. While some situations are medical crises, others are not so serious. Your treatment options and the extent of lung collapse can be determined by a medical professional.

How is Pneumothorax Treated?

Depending on the complexity of the issue, the doctor will tell you about the treatment required. However, a few common treatments that are proceeded include

• The first stage is observation where the doctor looks up to the patient closely observing their signs of heart or breathing problems. 

• Following this, oxygen therapy may be recommended. 

• The doctor may ask you to undergo Thoracentesis where the doctor places a needle in between the ribs to let out the air present inside. 

• In case, any patient has severe Pneumothorax, then the doctor may ask to undergo chest tube drainage. This procedure requires you to put a tube in your chest so that the air can be reduced in the pleural space.

• Once the above procedures are done, the doctor may focus on the future and try to prevent Pneumothorax from happening again. As a result of this, the doctor may perform Chemical Pleurodesis to eliminate the existing extra space between the lung and chest cavity. 

Is Pneumothorax Preventable? 

Pneumothorax is a condition that, with proper care, can be prevented. Patients are advised to avoid smoking and to limit activities that could lead to changes in air pressure. Regular consultations with a doctor are also essential for monitoring and maintaining lung health.

For doctors, having the right tools is crucial in providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. That's why we’ve curated a list of the Top 10 Must-Haves For Doctors in Their Clinics. Among these essentials is a reliable stethoscope, a tool we supply with the highest quality standards. At our UK store, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch medical products that healthcare professionals can trust. Over the years, we’ve earned the confidence of our customers by consistently offering products that meet their expectations for precision and durability.