Traumatic (Blunt Trauma) Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is when air leaks out and gets trapped in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space). It can cause complete or partial collapse of a lung. The trapped air prevents the lung from re-inflating. Pneumothorax can occur as a result of a blow to the chest, such as from a fall or car accident (blunt trauma). It can happen with or without a broken rib.
Symptoms
Seek medical attention right away if you experience blunt trauma that results in:
- Trouble breathing or being unable to take a full breath
- Sharp chest pain when breathing
- Tightness in the chest
Home care
- After discharge from the hospital, rest at home. Do not do vigorous activity or exercise for the next week.
- You may use over-the-counter pain medicine to control pain, unless another medicine was prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or have ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, talk with your healthcare provider before using these medicines. Also talk with your provider if you are taking medicine to prevent blood clots.
- During the next 3 days, it is important to take 4 slow, deep breaths every 1 to 2 hours while awake. Do this even though your chest may hurt when you breathe. It sends extra oxygen and blood to the lung. This is important to help keep the lung expanded. If an incentive spirometer (breathing exercise device) was given, use it as directed.
- If you smoke or use e-cigarettes, quit.
- Do not fly or go diving until your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. If X-rays have been taken, you will be notified of any new findings that may affect your care. You can also call as advised for the results.
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Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur:
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion or difficulty arousing
- Rapid heart rate
- New pain in the chest, arm, shoulder, neck or upper back
- Weakness, dizziness, or fainting
Call Your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur.
- Increased pain with breathing
- Fever, productive cough
- Blunt trauma to the chest resulting in shortness of breath or pain must be evaluated in the ER
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