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What Causes Pain In Lungs With History Of Pneumothorax?
Question: hello, male, 51 years old. I had a pneumathorox 3 years ago, today felt pain in my lungs, from my neck down to my shoulder blades, very dry mouth throughout the day. Went to A&E, had a scan and they reassured that the lungs are fine. I am now again having those pains and a very dry mouth, Please, advice. Thank you in advance.
Brief Answer:
chest wall muscle inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Pneumothorax is a condition where the lung collapses and air is trapped in the chest cavity. Large pneumothorax always needs to be treated by letting the trapped air out and allowing re expansion of the lungs.
At first I hope your A&E doctors have ruled out any cardiac causes for the pain you are experiencing.
As your problems happened 3 years back, it is important to know the underlying reason which led to the pneumothorax, if you had any infection or pre existing disease conditions. Also any residual changes in the lungs are to be assessed. I suppose you have got a chest X ray or a CT scan chest to look for any small lung segmental collapse and residual changes. If the X rays or CT scan chest have shown normal inflated lungs then the lungs are functioning properly.
The pain going from neck down to you shoulder blades can be due to chest wall muscle inflammation or related to the scar site due to insertion of drainage tube. This pain is probably increasing when you take deep breaths. It is important to know if you have been overworking your chest wall muscles recently. These are some of the other reasons which can cause the pains.
Wishing you good health
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any further doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
chest wall muscle inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Pneumothorax is a condition where the lung collapses and air is trapped in the chest cavity. Large pneumothorax always needs to be treated by letting the trapped air out and allowing re expansion of the lungs.
At first I hope your A&E doctors have ruled out any cardiac causes for the pain you are experiencing.
As your problems happened 3 years back, it is important to know the underlying reason which led to the pneumothorax, if you had any infection or pre existing disease conditions. Also any residual changes in the lungs are to be assessed. I suppose you have got a chest X ray or a CT scan chest to look for any small lung segmental collapse and residual changes. If the X rays or CT scan chest have shown normal inflated lungs then the lungs are functioning properly.
The pain going from neck down to you shoulder blades can be due to chest wall muscle inflammation or related to the scar site due to insertion of drainage tube. This pain is probably increasing when you take deep breaths. It is important to know if you have been overworking your chest wall muscles recently. These are some of the other reasons which can cause the pains.
Wishing you good health
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any further doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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