Covid-19 patient with damaged lungs cured in Madurai hospital

MADURAI: A 55-year-old Covid-19 patient, who suffered a lung collapse (pneumothorax), was treated by doctors in a private hospital in Madurai. The patient recovered and was discharged after 53 days of treatment.
As per a statement released by the hospital, the patient complained of breathlessness and tested positive for Covid-19.
A CT scan of the lungs revealed more than 50% of lung involvement.
The statement noted that the patient was treated with oxygen and medicines recommended for Covid-19. However, his requirement of oxygen increased and a non-invasive ventilation with a ventilator was provided. In 20 days, his oxygen demand came down, and he was requiring only two litre of oxygen.
After the patient tested negative for Covid-19, he was shifted from ICU with minimal oxygen support.
On the 26th day, he suffered from breathlessness again. On examination, doctors confirmed that he suffered from pneumothorax or collapsed lung which generally occurs due to physical trauma or genetic reasons.
Treatment was administered to him by inserting tubes into his chest. The patient was put on ventilator.
As his lungs were damaged, he had been on the ventilator for two weeks and a tracheostomy (opening in throat for direct ventilation of lungs) was also performed.
The team of doctors headed by Dr R Sudhir ensured that the patient recovered.