The doctor inserts it through the mouth or nose and into the windpipe. A ventilator connected to the breathing tube helps fill the lungs with air while the lungs recover. Medical staff pay close attention to providing the right amount of oxygen in the air and the right amount of air to prevent further lung injury. For example, small, rather than large, amounts of air have been found to work better. A supportive breathing technique called positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is also helpful.
The ventilator is used until breathing can resume naturally. If the ventilator is needed for more than a few days, it may be necessary to place the breathing tube directly into the windpipe by making a small cut in the neck (tracheostomy).
A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, is the collection of air in the space around the lungs. This buildup of air puts pressure on the lung, so it cannot expand as much as it normally does when you take a breath.
A collapsed lung may result from chest trauma, such as gunshot or knife wounds, rib fracture, or after certain medical procedures.
In some cases, a collapsed lung occurs without any cause. This is called a spontaneous pneumothorax. A small area in the lung that is filled with air, called a bleb, ruptures, and the air leaks into the space around the lung.
Certain activities may lead to a collapsed lung. These include scuba diving, smoking marijuana or cigarettes, high altitude hiking, and flying.
Tall, thin people are more likely to a collapsed lung.
Lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough also increase your risk for a collapsed lung.
