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What does a partially collapsed lung feel like?

Published in Lung Conditions 2 mins read

A partially collapsed lung, medically known as a pneumothorax, primarily feels like a sudden onset of sharp pain and difficulty breathing.

Key Sensations of a Partially Collapsed Lung

When a lung partially collapses, the most prominent sensations experienced are typically centered around chest discomfort and impaired respiration. These feelings can vary in intensity depending on the extent of the collapse.

  • Sharp Chest or Shoulder Pain: This is a very common and often acute symptom. The pain usually appears suddenly and can be localized in the chest area, sometimes extending to the shoulder. A characteristic feature is that this pain is distinctly worsened when you take a deep breath or cough. It's often described as a sharp, stabbing, or piercing sensation.

  • Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless is another significant and distressing sensation. Even with a partial collapse, the affected lung's capacity to expand fully is reduced, leading to a decreased ability to take in sufficient oxygen. This can manifest as:

    • A feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.
    • A sense of not being able to get enough air, prompting rapid and shallow breathing.
    • In some instances, the increased effort to breathe may be visible, for example, through nasal flaring, where the nostrils widen with each inhalation, indicating the body's struggle to draw in more air.

These combined sensations can be alarming and typically prompt individuals to seek immediate medical attention due to the sudden and impactful nature of the symptoms.