If you have been diagnosed with pneumothorax, you may wish to ask your doctor these additional four questions:
1. My sister has just been diagnosed with this. What line of treatment will be given to her for pneumothorax?
The line of treatment taken up depends upon factors such as a physical examination performed by the doctor, her medical history, any underlying medical condition that may have caused the collapse of the lung, and the results of the diagnostic tests showing the type, extent, cause and size of the pneumothorax. In general, the following treatments are followed for the types mentioned below:
• Small and simple pneumothorax – Simple observation and monitoring, including observation through X-rays and administration of oxygen.
• Tension pneumothorax – The trapped air is released through the insertion of a thin needle to allow for the reduction of external pressure on the lung and re-inflation of the lung back to its size. Thoracocentesis may also be performed to relieve the intra-thoracic pressure.
• Large pneumothorax – These are treated with a procedure called tube thoracostomy or chest tube where the tube inserted in the chest wall after anesthetizing it and then using a valve to extract the air and promoting the re-expansion of the lung to normalcy.
• Chest wound pneumothorax (from an injury from a bullet, stab, etc.) – Such types of holes require immediate attention so that an occlusive dressing and pressure bandage that will create an air-tight covering with sterile and suitable material may be done. Chest drain and the support of mechanical ventilation is also needed in such cases.
• Large blister pneumothorax – When chest tubes prove ineffective a thoracoscopic surgery may be ordered where stapling of the leaking hole is done. It is also done to promote the adhesions between the lung and pleura. The adhesion promotion can also be achieved through injection of chemical irritants like talc or tetracycline or mechanically through abrasion of the pleura.
2. Will the treatment involve any invasive procedures?
The treatment may involve invasive procedures if the pneumothorax is of tension, large, chest-wound or large blister type. Some of the possible invasive procedures have been explained above.
3. What are the prevention tips to avoid relapse?
The best way to prevent pneumothorax is to stop smoking or being exposed to second hand smoke for long durations. Other than this, it is not possible to prevent an episode of pneumothorax.
4. What is the prognosis for pneumothorax?
The prognosis is good. However, recurrences are common in those who smoke, are thin and tall and/or experience bouts of violent coughing due to some underlying medical condition. Recurrences are also possible in those who have had their lung collapse before.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com