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\nAs you recover from your treatment for a pleural disorder, it is important to follow your treatment plan. You may need to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your condition. You will also want to take steps to prevent complications or a repeat pleural disorder.
\nIf your pleural disorder is caused by a disease such as COPD, be sure to follow the treatment plan for that condition.
\nIf you have an IPC to drain pleural fluid, it may stay in for a few months or longer. Infection is possible around the insertion site, but infections can usually be treated without removing the IPC.
\nReturn to Treatment to review possible treatment options for your pleural disorder.
\nAfter a spontaneous pneumothorax, you are at risk of having another spontaneous pneumothorax. People who have underlying lung disease are more likely to have another spontaneous pneumothorax.
\nQuitting smoking if you smoke and not starting if you do not smoke can help reduce your risk.
\nIf you have severe chest pain or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. A tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening medical emergency.
\nVisit our Cardiogenic Shock health topic to learn the symptoms of shock.
\nIf you have or have recently had a pneumothorax, your doctor may recommend the following precautions to help you stay safe.
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