What's the recovery like from a punctured lung?

What's the recovery like from a punctured lung?

I broke a few of my ribs from a hard fall that I took a day ago, and it punctured my lung. I got the necessary treatment I needed, but how long is the recovery usually from this?

2 Answers

Dr. Thomas S. Granchi

Trauma Surgeon

Galveston, TX

Your lung should heal completely in a few weeks. It should seal airtight in a few days. The broken ribs will require more time to heal, and the pain from them will probably slow you down for a while. Your physician should give you some recommendations. Generally, activities that involve changes in air pressure, such as scuba diving or skydiving, should be avoided for four to six weeks.

Dr. Davorka Nikolic

Critical Care Surgeon

Menomonee Falls, WI

Good evening!

Pain will linger for a while, but make sure you take deep breaths so you do not catch pneumonia.

Dr. Nikolic