20/04/2023
Collapsed Lung in Children: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions
A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) is a buildup of air in the space between your child's lung and the chest wall. As more air builds up in this space, the pressure against the lung makes the lung collapse. This causes shortness of breath and chest pain because your child's lung cannot fully expand.
A collapsed lung is usually caused by an injury to the chest, but it may also occur suddenly without an injury because of a lung illness. Your child's lung may collapse after lung surgery or another medical procedure. Sometimes it happens for no known reason.
Treatment depends on the cause of the collapse. It may heal with rest, although the doctor will want to keep track of your child's progress. It can take several days for the lung to expand again. The doctor may have drained the air with a needle or tube inserted into the space between your child's chest and the collapsed lung. If your child has a chest tube, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about how to care for the tube.
Your child may need further treatment if they are not getting better. Surgery is sometimes needed to keep the lung inflated. The doctor will want to keep track of your child's progress, so your child will need a follow-up examination within a few days.
The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
Help your child get plenty of rest and sleep. Your child may feel weak and tired for a while, but his or her energy level will improve
