The fastest method for spontaneous pneumothorax recovery.

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on February 22, 2025
00:00
00:00

Pneumothorax is mainly caused by various reasons that allow air inside the lungs to enter the pleural cavity, resulting in the accumulation of gas and the compression of the lung, reducing its volume. Clinically, for patients with lung compression not exceeding 30%, a conservative approach is typically chosen, which involves allowing the patients to heal naturally. For these patients who wish to accelerate their recovery, it is generally recommended to inhale high concentrations of oxygen, which can aid in the healing of the lungs. Additionally, it is important to increase nutrition and protein intake to enhance lung repair and recovery.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
1min 15sec home-news-image

How many days after pneumothorax can one smoke?

For patients with pneumothorax, it is advised to strictly quit smoking, as smoking greatly increases the recurrence of pneumothorax. Smoking leads to airway inflammation and respiratory bronchitis. Among male patients with pneumothorax, compared to non-smokers, smokers have a significantly higher incidence of pneumothorax, which is related to the degree of smoking. If the patient smokes less than half a pack, the recurrence rate of his pneumothorax is about 7 times higher. For moderate smokers, those who smoke between half a pack and one pack, the recurrence rate increases to 21 times. If one smokes a pack a day, the recurrence rate rises to 102 times, this is in males. In females, for those smoking less than half a pack, between half a pack and one pack, and more than one pack, the recurrence rates of pneumothorax become 4 times, 14 times, and 68 times respectively. Therefore, for both male and female patients with pneumothorax, smoking significantly increases the probability of recurrence. So, once pneumothorax is resolved, quit smoking as well, to prevent any future recurrences.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
39sec home-news-image

Pneumothorax pleurodesis: what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Pleurodesis for pneumothorax involves injecting a sclerosant into the pleural cavity to induce a sterile inflammation, causing adhesion of the parietal and visceral pleurae, thereby eliminating the pleural space. This can be used to treat pneumothorax. The benefits include a high success rate, simple operation, and low recurrence rate. The downside is that there can be adverse reactions, the most common being chest pain and fever; severe cases may cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, extra care is needed during the pleurodesis procedure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
53sec home-news-image

How to Read a Pneumothorax X-ray

Pneumothorax has typical manifestations on a chest X-ray. Normally, the pulmonary markings on both sides are quite clear and visible. However, when a pneumothorax occurs, the part of the lung tissue with these markings tends to be compressed due to the accumulation of a large amount of gas in the surrounding pleural cavity, pushing the lung to contract towards the center. Around the periphery, these lung margins, which are outside the lung, meaning inside the pleural cavity, display the gas as very uniform and fine, without any markings. This is because it is pure gas, simply air, hence it is impossible for it to have markings. There is a particularly distinct demarcation line, a thin line, between this part of the pleural cavity and the lungs. Through these features, one can determine the presence of a pneumothorax.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xia Bao Jun
Pulmonology
51sec home-news-image

Pneumothorax is caused by what?

Pneumothorax is caused by the entry of air into the pleural cavity, leading to a series of changes. Pneumothorax can be divided into spontaneous and traumatic pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without trauma or other causes, while traumatic pneumothorax is caused by direct or indirect trauma to the pleura. Spontaneous pneumothorax can be further categorized into primary and secondary pneumothorax. Patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax do not have underlying lung disease, whereas secondary pneumothorax is a complication of lung disease, commonly seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Traumatic pneumothorax includes iatrogenic pneumothorax, which occurs during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
45sec home-news-image

Can pneumothorax measure lung capacity?

Pneumothorax is a very common type of disease, caused by many and complex factors. It is classified into three different types based on individual conditions, so different types of pneumothorax lead to different clinical symptoms and consequences for the patient. Usually, it is not advisable to measure lung capacity immediately after a pneumothorax occurs. For lighter cases, it is recommended to wait at least half a month before measuring lung capacity. If the pneumothorax is severe, the interval may need to be over a month before conducting lung capacity measurements. Therefore, while patients with pneumothorax can have their lung capacity measured, this should only be done once the condition is effectively managed.