A collapsed lung (also called a pneumothorax) is when a collection of air leaks out of the lung and gets trapped in the space around it. This causes part of the lung to deflate like a balloon. A chest tube is a small tube placed into the space around the lung to release the trapped air so the lung can reinflate.

Most kids recover well from a collapsed lung, but it's important to watch for returning symptoms.

• Give your child any pain relief or other medicines as directed by the care team.
• Encourage your child to take deep breaths as instructed by the care team. 
• Follow the care team's instructions about: 
  • Taking care of the bandage and when and how to remove it. It might be removed in the office at a follow-up visit.
  • When it's OK to shower. Your child shouldn't take a bath or soak in water until the surgical wound is completely healed and the care team says it's OK.
  • What activities your child can do while healing. Walking is usually OK. Have your child rest when needed. No vigorous activity or exercise until the care team says it's OK. Some people may not be able to fly in an airplane for a while and may need to avoid deep sea diving permanently.
  • When it's OK to go back to school.
• Remind caregivers to watch your child for any returning symptoms of a collapsed lung, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Make sure your child returns for all follow-up visits.

Your child has:

• Redness, pus, or swelling at the surgical wound site
• Fever
• Pain that's not helped with pain medicine

Your child:

• Is short of breath
• Has worsening chest pain
• Is pale, dizzy, or weak

Call 911 if chest pain and shortness of breath start suddenly or if your child passes out.

What can cause a collapsed lung? A collapsed lung can be spontaneous or traumatic:

• A spontaneous collapsed lung happens by itself without an injury to trigger it. Sometimes no cause can be found. Sometimes they're caused by a lung disease (such as asthma or cystic fibrosis) or problems with how the lungs were formed. Most cases happen during adolescence, but they can happen at any age.
• A traumatic lung collapse follows an injury to the chest, such as from a car crash. They can also happen during chest surgery.

Can a collapsed lung happen again? Kids who have had a spontaneous collapsed lung could get another one. Make sure you and your child know the signs of a collapsed lung (like chest pain and trouble breathing) and get help right away if they happen.