About Punctured Lungs
A punctured lung, or pneumothorax, is the medical condition in which air gets between your chest and your lungs. While the cause usually is an actual puncture, this can also occur spontaneously when the patient has certain underlying medical conditions. This condition may be life-threatening, and prompt medical attention is required to ensure the survival of the victim.
Significance
Escaping air from the lung collects between the two thin layers of tissue (pleurae) that separate the lungs from the chest wall. The affected lung will collapse in proportion to the amount of air escaping. If left untreated, the air accumulating in the pleurae can build up, causing the healthy lung to collapse too.
Function
The lungs are one of the largest organs in the body, and are the biggest component of the respiratory system. Healthy lungs allow you to breathe in fresh air and talk. Your lungs carry oxygen from fresh air into your bloodstream, and when you exhale your lungs expel carbon dioxide and wastes from the blood.
Features
Picture a pair of balloons inside a sealed box: these are your lungs. If one balloon has a pinhead sized hole, the air inside will leak out into the box. This will cause extra pressure on the injured balloon, the other balloon and anything else in the box. Too much pressure and the pinhead hole may enlarge and the second balloon may weaken and collapse.
Size
Lung punctures can vary in size from a tiny leak caused by respiratory disease to a major breach such as a knife wound, bullet wound or fractured rib. Smaller punctures may heal themselves, while some major traumas will need surgery to repair. A chest tube will be inserted to allow the accumulating air to escape while the lung heals.
Misconceptions
Many people believe that a collapsed lung and a punctured lung are two different afflictions, while in fact a collapsed lung is one of the results of having a punctured lung and rarely occurs by itself. Another misconception is that a punctured lung can only occur from an accident; in fact a lung can be punctured during acupuncture or traditional surgery.
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