How is Lung Rupture treated?

In a lot of cases when the baby is otherwise healthy and without symptoms, observation is all that is needed and the tear will heal itself and the air be reabsorbed. In cases where the air leak is larger and the baby is having symptoms, the air may need to be pulled out (aspirated) by putting a needle in the baby’s chest wall.

After the air in the chest cavity is pulled out, the needle is removed, and the baby is monitored for recurrence. If the leak continues or if the baby is on a breathing machine for support, a drainage tube (chest tube) is placed in the chest wall to continuously drain the air until the leak heals.

Many babies that have symptoms due to the free air will also require extra oxygen to keep their oxygen levels in an acceptable range. During this time, your baby may be breathing faster than normal or harder than normal and not be able to feed by mouth. This may require feedings via a tube, or the feedings withheld and IV fluids started.