How long does it take to heal a pneumothorax?

The duration of healing of a pneumothorax can vary depending on the cause and extent of the event. In the case of a so-called spontaneous pneumothorax, for example, pulmonary alveoli can burst without external causes and cause air to flow into the pleural gap. This can then improve after the application of a thoracic drainage.

However, if it occurs more frequently, surgical treatment of the cause may become necessary. In another example, the tension pneumothorax, as in all forms of pneumothorax, air flows into the pleural gap but does not escape. The air therefore collects in the pleural gap without being able to be breathed out. In this case, a life-threatening circulatory arrest can occur if the organs in the thorax, such as the heart, are displaced, i.e. pushed aside. A tension pneumothorax is therefore always an absolute emergency, which is why the healing process is in many cases longer than in the case of a spontaneous pneumothorax.

Prophylaxis

There is no actual prophylaxis for the clinical picture of pneumothorax. It can only be tried to prevent the underlying diseases of the lung.

Prognosis

In the case of spontaneous pneumothorax, e.g. emphysema, which has been treated by chest drainage, the rate of recurrence (relapse rate) is 20 – 50%After drug therapy or surgery, the relapse rate is 0 – 10%. However, the tension pneumothorax becomes life-threatening, which is an emergency. In principle, death can occur if treatment is inadequate or absent.

This also explains the urgency with which one should proceed. The danger lies in the insufficient ventilation of the affected lung. One breathes, so to speak, only with half of one’s lung.

The affected person will notice this by a pronounced shortness of breath in combination with pain. In addition, circulatory instability and even shock can occur, putting the patient’s life in danger. If a so-called tension pneumothorax develops, the body is not only severely breathless but also increasingly undersupplied with oxygen, which can also trigger fear, restlessness or even panic.

As this is an acute, life-threatening clinical picture, it leads to the death of the affected person if left untreated. The first consequence of a pneumothorax is its recurrence. This is most likely in the case of a spontaneous pneumothorax.

In addition, delayed treatment can lead to circulatory disturbances or even to circulatory arrest. As a consequence of the supply of a thoracic drainage, infections can occur, which on the one hand can take place in the skin, but on the other hand also in the lungs and/or pleura, as so-called pleuritis. The consequences of a pneumothorax caused by external injury can be unfavorable fractures of ribs, but also the penetration of blood into the pleural gap, which is called hematothorax. If the problem is corrected by surgery, a longer stay in hospital may be necessary. If a part of the lung is resected during the operation, i.e. cut away for better care, lung function may be impaired.