but that the way to fix it (if it doesn't fix itself within 48 hours) is to puncture the lung to "let the air out". I thought if it was collapsed then that means it hasn't inflated with air (picturing a deflated balloon) Can someone explain?
2006-09-30 11:28:46 · 3 answers · asked by lotus 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
The medical term is "Pneumothorax". The Dr. (neonatologist) doesn't put a tube "into the lung". He puts a "chest tube" into the chest into the space surrounding the lung. The tube "sucks out' the air around the lung, and the lung reexpands (like a vacuum).
For a balloon analogy-- a tube is put into the space around the balloon, and as air is sucked out around the balloon, the balloon reexpands.
Hope that explains it-- good luck to your neice
2006-09-30 11:41:08 · answer #1 · answered by pedidoc43 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My son had a lung collapse when he was 5 weeks early. They will put in a chest tube to inflate the lung. She won't remember it - at least I hope my son doesn't. It was one of the lesser things that can happen to a preemie. He was in an all-children's hospital for 14 days...they take great care of kids. I hope she is all right. I don't know why they explained it to you like they did...what happened to my son seems more accurate.
2006-09-30 11:38:11 · answer #2 · answered by applebetty34 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the 'space' around the lung that is colapsed has a pressure that prevents the lung from expanding .this pressure can be caused by air or fluid. the punture does not punture the lungs,it enters the 'space' and relieves the pressure preventing the lung from filling with air breathed in. hope this helps explain
2006-09-30 16:20:38 · answer #3 · answered by cam cam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋