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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Breathing Difficulty, Diagnosed With Tear In Lung. What Are The Possible Risks?

My son had to go to the hospital because he couldn't breathe. He is 22 years old and at the emergency room they stated he had a tear in his left lung and that air was seeping around his heart causing an air pocket. what are the risks of this, because they sent him home and stated it should heal and not to exert himself. please give me some advise.
Sat, 15 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, symptoms mentioned by you are suggestive of a condition called spontaneous pneumothorax which is very common in thin built male of age group 15-25. pneumothorax basically means collection of air inside chest cavity and outside lungs which prevents expansion of lungs hence breathing difficulty and if amount of air is too much (massive pneumothorax) it can cause cardiovascular collapse (heart failure). In majority of cases , usually no treatment is required and trapped air gets reabsorbed in 2-3 weeks but if condition does not resolve, surgical treament like placement of chest tube is required.
Chances of recurrence are quite high in this condition. in recurrences additional surgical interventions like pleurodesis are required. advise given to you is correct . Do not exert, always keep in mind the risk of recurrence, do not indulge in activities like scuba diving, mountaineering, jet flying etc where there are sudden changes in air pressure. Finally Pls keep away from smoking.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Hari Om Chandrakar's  Response
Hello user,
I think your son had met with some accident or injury with any blunt object, as the lungs don't tear spontaneously without any reason !!

First and foremost thing is to keep a watch on him while he is on his bed !!
Keep his head side of bed a bit inclined upwards (slope of may be 30 degree), as it helps in proper breathing without any problem.

If your doctor says no problem then there is no need to worry, just keep him in watch !!!

hope my info helped you
regards,
Dr Hari Om Chandrakar
MBBS
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Breathing Difficulty, Diagnosed With Tear In Lung. What Are The Possible Risks?

Hi, symptoms mentioned by you are suggestive of a condition called spontaneous pneumothorax which is very common in thin built male of age group 15-25. pneumothorax basically means collection of air inside chest cavity and outside lungs which prevents expansion of lungs hence breathing difficulty and if amount of air is too much (massive pneumothorax) it can cause cardiovascular collapse (heart failure). In majority of cases , usually no treatment is required and trapped air gets reabsorbed in 2-3 weeks but if condition does not resolve, surgical treament like placement of chest tube is required. Chances of recurrence are quite high in this condition. in recurrences additional surgical interventions like pleurodesis are required. advise given to you is correct . Do not exert, always keep in mind the risk of recurrence, do not indulge in activities like scuba diving, mountaineering, jet flying etc where there are sudden changes in air pressure. Finally Pls keep away from smoking.