When you have a disability or chronic illness, one of the most important things you can do is to learn as much as you can about it.  The more you know, the easier it should be to get a handle on those days when you feel like it is a constant battle and you are not sure you are winning.

Knowing the language or words that go with COPD/Asthma is a great way to start or to continue to refresh a person’s knowledge of the ins and outs of the lifelong health companion which we are dealing with.

With that, we discuss some of what we call ‘must know words’ of life with COPD/Asthma – and today we will discuss briefly the importance of knowing the word ‘Pneumothorax’.

‘Pneumothorax’ is the medical terminology for a ‘collapsed lung’ or what happens when air leaks from inside the lung and gathers in the space between the lung and the chest wall.  The leaked air will push against the outside of the lung causing it to eventually collapse.

Most likely the symptoms of ‘pneumothorax’ will include both sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.  While these symptoms are already common in those battling COPD/Asthma the causes for an actual collapsed lung can come from chest injuries (such as blunt trauma) and the two that COPD/Asthma patients must watch closely – underlying lung disease (which we have) and mechanical ventilation (may cause an imbalance of air pressure within the chest/lung).

The Mayo Clinic researchers list risk factors for developing a bout of ‘Pneumothorax’ with those being Sex (generally men are more likely to get a bout), Smoking, Age, Genetics, history of having ‘pneumothorax’, previous Lung Disease diagnosis and whether you may be or have been on a type of mechanical ventilation.

Treating a bout with ‘Pneumothorax’ will depend on the severity of the episode but will include either one of and/or combination of Observations, a Needle or Chest Tube Insertion and possible Surgery.

While battling COPD/Asthma the idea of having a bout with ‘Pneumothorax’ or ‘Collapsed Lung’ can be very scary which is why it is so important that we stay attuned to what our body is telling us each-and-every day.

With all that, we ask you the readers if you or someone you know have ever had a problem with ‘Pneumothorax’ and if so, how quickly did you get it solved?  As always, we look forward to hearing your input – thanx.

As always – if you or anyone you know have any symptoms involving lung and breathing functionality, and they linger over and over while disrupting a lifestyle – then please ask questions and get it checked out.

Remember – ‘a person without good breathing, is a person without a good life’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can.

With that I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer, reprinting or reuse of this article is restricted without written permission.)

NOTE TO REMEMBER: We only give descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer and more medical founded information.

Know that you can follow all the writings by CrossDove Writer pertaining to COPD/Asthma by following at wheezingaway.com or on Facebook at COPD Travels.

(Information gathered from various books and internet sources discussing COPD, Asthma and other lung diseases)