Pneumothorax is a condition in which air is abnormally collected in the pleural space. Pleural space is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Pneumothorax is often referred to as collapsed lungs. In such a condition the air leaks into the pleural space causing shortness of breath and chest pain. Generally, only one lung is affected by Pneumothorax. However, in some cases, both lungs may be affected.

There are majorly two kinds of Pneumothorax, primary and secondary. When Pneumothorax occurs without any specific cause and to those who don’t have any specific lung disease, it is termed as primary Pneumothorax. Secondary Pneumothorax occurs to those who suffer from lung disease. Pneumothorax may also occur in case of physical trauma to the lungs which may be due to an injury or accident. Pneumothorax may also occur as a side effect of a surgery or other medical procedures.

The specific causes of Pneumothorax are not known, however, men are more likely to suffer from Pneumothorax than women. Risk of Pneumothorax is more to the people who smoke. The intensity and number of Pneumothorax attack increase with the increase in the smoking period. Pneumothorax can also be genetic i.e. they may run into generations. Also, people having lung diseases, such as COPD, and people who use mechanical ventilation are at a higher risk of facing Pneumothorax. People suffering from asthma, tuberculosis or other respiratory disorders may also be at a higher risk.

The basic symptoms of Pneumothorax include breathlessness and chest pain. Primary Pneumothorax may occur due to changes in atmospheric pressure and is more common in young people. This kind of Pneumothorax is not very severe and the symptoms are very mild. When the Pneumothorax is primary, it needs very little or sometimes no treatment to get cured. However, proper monitoring is essential to avoid further damage.

Secondary Pneumothorax is more severe and the symptoms are more prominent. As the person facing secondary Pneumothorax already has an underlying lung disease the result may be very severe and sometimes even life-threatening. The basic symptoms are severe chest pain and severe breathlessness. This kind of Pneumothorax needs immediate medical assistance and care.

Pneumothorax can also be caused by trauma on the lungs. This kind of trauma may be due to an injury or accident. In some cases, surgery can also result in Pneumothorax as a side effect. Pneumothorax can also be seen in people who use breathing aids or are on a ventilator. Breathing aids and ventilators may sometimes create an imbalance of air pressure inside the chest which may result in Pneumothorax. Another very common cause of Pneumothorax is bursting of air blisters that are developed on the top of the lungs. When these blisters burst, they result in the leakage of air into the area that surrounds the lungs, hence causing Pneumothorax. In all the above cases, immediate medical assistance is prescribed.

Pneumothorax is difficult to be diagnosed by physical examination only. A series of tests, such as chest X-ray, CT scan, and ultrasound, need to be performed before confirming. This is because many other conditions, such as heart attacks, have similar symptoms.

Primary Pneumothorax needs little treatment, however, in secondary Pneumothorax, the air that has leaked into the pleural space need to be removed. This is done using a syringe or a chest tube. In cases where the evacuation of pleural space using syringe or chest tube fails, surgery is required to seal the pleural space.

Physiotherapy treatment for Pneumothorax

Physiotherapy has gained popularity during the last few decades as it helps the patient to resume back to normal life, after a medical procedure, naturally, or with the least amount of medication. Pneumothorax Physiotherapy is equally beneficial. It ensures a speedy recovery and a healthier lifestyle.

The basic goal of Pneumothorax Physiotherapy is to maintain the atelectatic lung volume obtained using a syringe, a chest tube or in some cases surgery. For people who use mechanical ventilation, physiotherapy sessions may help in uniform distribution of ventilation, thus, reducing the risk of Pneumothorax in the future. Various physiotherapies help clear the airways, and thus, improve breathing. Oxygenation of the lungs also improved as the airways resistance decreases. Pneumothorax Physiotherapy sessions may also prove helpful in increasing exercise tolerance levels and stamina.

Pneumothorax is the condition which affects the lungs and results in difficulty in breathing. Physiotherapists recommend exercises to strengthen the lungs and clarify the airways. Breathing exercises help clear the airway thus improving the oxygen supply to the lungs. As deep breathing exercises increase the oxygen level in the body they aid to quicker recovery and higher overall strength. Breathing exercises must be performed regularly after the treatment procedure for Pneumothorax. If one fails to perform the required breathing exercises, the muscles surrounding the rib cage may stiffen which may lead to breathing difficulties.

Various lung strengthening exercises are also recommended for people who have suffered from Pneumothorax. These exercises help the lung in maintaining its volume and elasticity.

Yoga has also become an integral part of healthy living. Various yoga asanas may prove helpful in strengthening the lungs and improving breathing. However, a patient who has suffered from Pneumothorax must consult his/her doctor before going for yoga. Also, yoga must be performed under the guidance of a trained professional to optimize the benefits and minimize the risks. Some of the yoga asanas, that may be useful for Pneumothorax patients, are listed below.

• Nadi shodan pranayama helps relieve respiratory disorders.
• Bhujangasana or the cobra pose strengthens lungs and improves blood circulation.
• Ardh matsyendranasana improves the amount of oxygen in the body.
• Badha Konasana or the butterfly pose improves the blood circulation in the body.

Setubandhanasana or the bridge pose helps expand the chest and lungs and is helpful for the people suffering from asthma.

Physiotherapy treatment for Pneumothorax is not very common and needs expertise. Care24 provides you with the most skilful and trained physiotherapists, to ensure you a safe and speedy recovery. Our physiotherapists customize according to each patient’s physical conditions and desires. Our physiotherapists and the working staff work as a team to provide you with a healthy and safe environment for your physical and mental well being.