The placement of a chest tube between the ribs into the pleural space allows the evacuation of air from the pleural space when simple aspiration is not successful, or the pneumothorax is large. Re-expansion of the lung may take several days with the chest tube left in place. Hospitalization is required for chest tube management. Surgery may be indicated for recurrent episodes. Patients should discontinue smoking and avoid high altitudes, scuba diving, or flying in unpressurized aircraft to prevent the recurrence of pneumothorax.
Spontaneous pneumothorax can recur.
Call your health care provider if you have had a spontaneous pneumothorax and reexperience the same or similar symptoms. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use .