Can mild pneumothorax heal on its own?

In general, mild pneumothorax can heal spontaneously, but proper care is necessary in daily life. The specific analysis is as follows:

Patients with mild pneumothorax may experience symptoms such as irritative cough and chest pain. When the amount of air in the pleural cavity is small—specifically when lung compression is less than 30%—spontaneous recovery is common, especially among young individuals with good physical health, no underlying medical conditions, and normal lung function. This is because a small amount of air in the pleural space can gradually be absorbed by the lungs, leading to natural healing.

During the healing process, patients should remain at bed rest and avoid strenuous activities to prevent further accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Additionally, oxygen therapy may be administered as directed by a physician to accelerate the absorption of air in the pleural space.

Close monitoring of symptoms is essential during recovery. If symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath worsen, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to prevent progression of pneumothorax or the development of complications.