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Michelle Carter — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor

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How to Handle Heal from a Collapsed Lung Step by Step

When heal from a collapsed lung leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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Part 1

Seeking Medical Care

Get to the emergency room.

Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue.

Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue.
Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue.
Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue.
Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue.
Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue.

Undergo treatment.

Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung.

Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung.
Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung.
Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung.
Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung.
Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung.

Begin healing in the hospital.

While you're in hospital care, the healing process will begin while you wait to go home. The nurses and doctors will help you with your care.

While you're in hospital care, the healing process will begin while you wait to go home.
The nurses and doctors will help you with your care.
While you're in hospital care, the healing process will begin while you wait to go home.
The nurses and doctors will help you with your care.
While you're in hospital care, the healing process will begin while you wait to go home.

Part 2

Understanding At-Home Treatment

Take any medications prescribed to you.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment.

Rest, but make sure you stay active.

Bed rest is not necessary with a collapsed lung. You should rest while sitting up, and do very light, low-impact activities, such as walking.

Bed rest is not necessary with a collapsed lung.
You should rest while sitting up, and do very light, low-impact activities, such as walking.
Bed rest is not necessary with a collapsed lung.
You should rest while sitting up, and do very light, low-impact activities, such as walking.
Bed rest is not necessary with a collapsed lung.

Sleep in a recliner for the first few days.

Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier.

Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier.
Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier.
Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier.
Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier.
Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier.

Be careful with your clothing and padding options.

It's important to avoid putting undue pressure on your ribcage after a collapsed lung. People are often tempted to put padding on the area to ease pain, but this must be done correctly to avoid causing harm.

It's important to avoid putting undue pressure on your ribcage after a collapsed lung.
People are often tempted to put padding on the area to ease pain, but this must be done correctly to avoid causing harm.
It's important to avoid putting undue pressure on your ribcage after a collapsed lung.
People are often tempted to put padding on the area to ease pain, but this must be done correctly to avoid causing harm.
It's important to avoid putting undue pressure on your ribcage after a collapsed lung.

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