What is collapse? This is when air gathers in the space surrounding the lungs. This accumulation of air presses on the lungs.
What is collapse and the reasons for its occurrence
This disease occurs when the air, for some reason, leaves the lungs, filling the lung space. This can happen after a person has received any chest injuries. For example, a rib fracture, a knife or a gunshot wound. But there are cases when there were no such reasons, but the disease appeared. Then they are diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax. Thin and tall people often suffer from such a disease, which can also provoke whooping cough, asthma, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis.
Collapse of the lung and its symptoms
The main signs of this disease are:
- shortness of breath;
- sharp pains in the chest;
- cough;
- deep breathing;
- skin with a bluish tint;
- fatigue;
- cardiopalmus.
It should be noted that the main sign of such a disease is pain during breathing, during coughing, or during chest movement. Attention should be paid to such signs, which can also occur during lung collapse: shortness of breath, cyanosis, asymmetric movement of the chest.
Diagnostics
If the patient complains of shortness of breath and acute pain in the chest, which appeared suddenly, then it can be assumed that this is pneumothorax. The diagnosis can be confirmed by an x-ray report, which will show the presence of air in the pleural region. Bronchoscopy and other additional tests of both the airways and blood vessels and heart conditions can also be prescribed.
Risk factors
You should know that lung collapse can develop:
- an elderly person;
- if there was a premature birth;
- with smoking, scoliosis and obesity;
- with limited physical activity.
Treatment
What is collapse, you already know. Now let's look at how this disease is treated. If the collapse of the lung is of insignificant size, then most likely it can go away on its own if you rest as much as possible and get oxygen in the right amount (oxygen therapy). Sometimes the accumulated air in the lungs is removed using a special needle. In more severe cases, a pleural drainage tube is used to restore pressure.
If the disease progresses again after treatment, then surgical intervention will be required.
Prevention
What is collapse, we have examined in detail. Now we recommend reading about how to avoid such a disease. Recommended:
- To the smoker - to stop smoking.
- Obese - try to lose weight as much as possible.
- If you have any chronic diseases, then you need to reduce the complications caused by them and undergo comprehensive treatment.
- Women in position to be regularly examined by a doctor.
- Avoid cases where you can accidentally inhale a solid particle.
Now you know the meaning of the word “collapse” and you will surely follow all the recommendations that were given above. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and sports will help you avoid many diseases.