The quick answer is that you should be able to run again after the pneumothorax has been repaired and healed. However, because more strenuous activity may cause air leakage from any remaining holes in your lung, you should not push yourself too hard until you have completed all of your recovery efforts.
You should also avoid activities where you might be exposed to high levels of oxygen, such as swimming or scuba diving. This is because higher concentrations of oxygen may further expand any existing hole in your lung and cause additional pain.
Overall, your health history will play a large role in determining how you heal following this injury. If you have previously suffered other pulmonary diseases or disorders, you should seek medical advice from a respiratory specialist before beginning an exercise program. These professionals can help you determine what type of exercise is right for your situation and how you can best manage your risks during your recovery.
Exhausting physical activity should be avoided for three weeks following pneumothorax surgery. Maintaining mobility of the upper limbs is critical, especially if the patient has a painful hose or suction device connected. Otherwise, resting the arms in armholes of clothes is recommended.
After three weeks, you can begin moving about with care. If you have a pneumothorax, avoid any activity that might reinflate the lung. This would include athletic events and activities that require much effort or energy, such as heavy gardening or construction work. Most patients are able to return to normal activities at six weeks.
A minor pneumothorax may resolve on its own over time. You may merely require oxygen therapy and rest. A needle may be used by the provider to enable air to escape from around the lung, allowing it to expand more completely. If you live close to the hospital, you may be permitted to go home. If you live far away, then you may be admitted to the hospital for observation.
Not necessarily. However, if the pneumothorax is left untreated, it could lead to respiratory failure and death. Your health care provider will take all of these factors into account when determining what course of action should be taken.
A pneumothorax might be minor and improve with time. It might also be huge and necessitate immediate treatment. This is determined by how much air becomes trapped in the chest and whether or not you have a pre-existing lung ailment. The air that accumulates is generally caused by a rip on the exterior of the lung. This can be from a break in the skin, as often occurs when playing sports, or even from an internal source such as after a fight or during an asthma attack.
If the pneumothorax is small, then it should resolve itself over time due to the body's natural healing processes. If, however, the pneumothorax is large or if you have a preexisting disease of the lungs, then additional care must be taken to ensure that no further air enters the chest cavity. Additional treatments may include placing a needle in the chest to allow for drainage of any remaining air, taking oral antibiotics to prevent infection, or undergoing a surgical procedure to place a tube into your chest to allow for complete removal of the air.
Overall, small pneumothoraces do not require any special treatment other than supportive care. However, if the size of the pneumothorax increases or if you have a preexisting condition, then see your doctor immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
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