Does the absence of movement in the water column and no air bubbles mean the pneumothorax has resolved?
Feb 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Excessive pneumothorax can cause chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Treatment with closed thoracic drainage is used. When the water column in the drainage system stops fluctuating and no bubbles appear, this indicates that the gas in the pleural cavity has been fully evacuated, the lung has re-expanded, and the pneumothorax has resolved. However, during closed thoracic drainage, if the drainage tube becomes blocked or improperly positioned, resulting in poor drainage, the absence of water column fluctuation and bubbling may indicate persistent pneumothorax, meaning the condition has not yet resolved.
The water column in a pneumothorax drainage system not moving and showing no bubbles may indicate recovery, but it could also mean the condition has not resolved—this depends on the specific circumstances.
1. Recovered
When the volume of air in the pleural cavity is excessive, symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath may occur, requiring treatment with closed thoracic drainage performed by a physician. During closed thoracic drainage, if the water column stops fluctuating and no bubbles appear, this may indicate that the air in the pleural cavity has been fully evacuated, the lung has re-expanded, and the pneumothorax has resolved—this is generally a positive sign.
2. Not recovered
If the drainage tube becomes blocked or improperly positioned, resulting in poor drainage, the absence of water column movement and lack of bubbling may instead indicate that the pneumothorax has not resolved. In such cases, the drainage tube may need adjustment or timely replacement to facilitate proper air evacuation.
It is recommended to undergo evaluation by a qualified physician to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
