NEW research has shown that less is more when it comes to treating a common lung problem.
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John Hunter Hospital participated in new study that has shown medical intervention is not always in a patient's best interest when it comes to treating a collapsed lung. Standard hospital treatment for a collapsed lung - or pneumothorax - has previously involved doctors inserting a plastic tube into the patient's chest to drain the collected air to help the lung reinflate. The painful treatment could lead to organ injury, bleeding, infection and additional surgery. But a six year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that results in significantly longer hospital stays and greater complications compared to treating patients with pain relief, observation, and waiting for the lung's natural re-expansion and recovery.
Rachel Reed was 22 when she went to John Hunter Hospital with a collapsed lung four years ago, and was invited to participate in the study.
"I was put in the short stay for about four hours, " she said. "They did another X-Ray, and my lung hadn't deflated so I could go home... I am so glad I didn't have to have the chest tube put in."
