Traumatic Pneumothorax

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A pneumothorax is a condition in which air collects in the pleural space (the space between your lung and chest wall). A traumatic pneumothorax is caused by an injury that causes air to leak into your pleural space. The air that builds up in the pleural space stops the lung from filling with air, and the lung collapses. A pneumothorax can happen in one or both of your lungs.
  
  
• A traumatic pneumothorax can be caused by a broken rib that tears your lung. Other causes include injuries that allow air to enter from the outside, such as a knife or gunshot wound. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or injuries from medical procedures can also cause traumatic pneumothorax. Symptoms of a traumatic pneumothorax include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath. You may feel air bubbles under your skin anywhere on your body, such as your chest or neck. With fast and proper treatment, your pneumothorax may get better. A traumatic pneumothorax can heal on its own, or become a persistent posttraumatic pneumothorax (PPP). A PPP is a pneumothorax that does not heal within a certain period of time after treatment.
  
  
• A traumatic pneumothorax can also develop into a traumatic tension pneumothorax. This means your pneumothorax becomes serious enough to affect the way your heart and lungs work. A traumatic tension pneumothorax may cause one or both of your lungs to completely collapse. Your neck veins may be larger than usual, and your heart may beat faster than usual. Your fingernails, toes and lips may turn blue. A traumatic tension pneumothorax can result in death if not treated quickly.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Antibiotic medicine: Antibiotics may be given to prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Even if your lung has not completely filled with air, you may be allowed to go home. You may need to return within 24 to 48 hours for chest x-rays. You may have to return several times, until caregivers see that your lung has returned to normal. You may be sent home with a chest tube. Ask your caregiver how to care for the chest tube. If you keep having problems, you may need more treatment, such as surgery. If your pneumothorax healed without treatment, you may need to return for chest x-rays after 1 to 2 weeks.
  
  

Diving after a traumatic pneumothorax:

Do not dive after having a traumatic pneumothorax without asking your caregiver first. The change of pressure could cause another pneumothorax.

Flying after a traumatic pneumothorax:

Do not fly in an aircraft if you have an untreated or chronic pneumothorax without asking your caregiver first. Ask your caregiver when it is safe for you to fly.

Respiratory physiotherapy:

Your caregiver may tell you to do breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs. Ask your caregiver how to do these exercises, and how long you should do them.

Do not smoke:

Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your signs and symptoms get worse, or you have new signs or symptoms.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or treatment.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have new or increased trouble breathing.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Traumatic Pneumothorax (Aftercare Instructions)