A small pnuemothorax will resolve in approximately 10 days. A patient may be sent home to recover if their physician determines that their breathing is stable and there has been no change in the patient's symptoms. Following the recovery period, additional chest x-rays will need to be taken to confirm a resolution of the pneumothorax. Patients should avoid air travel during recovery because changes in air pressure that occur in flight can worsen a pnuemothorax. Most patients who need to remain in the hospital can expect a resolution after treatment.
Surgery is a very successful treatment in the small number of patients who require it.
If a patient has recurring incidences of pneumothorax like this, the additional treatment will allow the pnuemothorax to resolve without risk for another recurrence.