Healing from a collapsed lung after a car crash
An emergency and lung care view of a traumatic pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is air that gets trapped between the lung and the chest wall. That air can stop part of the lung from filling up. After a crash, the air may come from a hurt lung or an injury to the chest wall. [1, 2]
A small pocket of air may just be watched. A bigger one, or one that’s growing, may need a chest drain. Treatment depends on how you’re breathing, what scans show and what other injuries you have. [1, 2]
What was left when you went home
Ask whether your lung had fully expanded on the last image. If you had a drain, find out when it came out. Ask whether another chest X ray is planned. Find out who will look at that image and what to do if you can’t make the appointment. [1, 2]
Hold on to your discharge report. Any new doctor will need to know which side was affected. [1, 2]
Flying, diving and other pressure changes
Do not fly while there is still air around the lung. Ask your team when a confirmed clear image, along with your other injuries, makes it safe to fly. Scuba diving needs its own advice from a specialist. [1, 2]
Ask when you can go back to work, exercise and lifting. Follow the breathing and walking plan you were given. Breathing easily at rest is no substitute for the imaging check that’s planned. [1, 2]
Signs the lung may have collapsed again
Get emergency care for sudden or growing shortness of breath, new sharp chest pain, fainting or blue lips. Tell the staff you recently had a pneumothorax caused by an injury. Call your team promptly if you have a fever or a cough that’s getting worse. These symptoms can also come from other chest problems. Get them checked instead of guessing at the cause. [1, 2]
Questions before you leave the hospital
- Has my lung fully expanded, and do I need another image?
- When can I fly, exercise or go back to work?
- Where should I go if I get short of breath again?
Save your next X ray date now
Sources and further reading
The details above are general and reflect emergency and lung care. New or worsening trouble breathing needs urgent care. Check travel and activity limits with your own care team.
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