Timely diagnosis at camp helps save man with lung infection

Madurai: A 52-year-old man, who came to a Nalam Kaakkum Stalin medical camp, complaining of shortness in breath, received timely attention after he was found to have a collapsed left lung. He was immediately referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital.

Kurumban Rasu, a smoker, had come to the camp held at Sirumalar Girls High School, Nagamalai Pudhukottai, Madurai. An x-ray was done on him, which revealed the infection to his lungs.

Pulmonologist at GRH, Dr Rajesh Kumar said that there was an air leak which collected between the lung and the chest, which is not possible to treat with injections or tablets. "When we identified it, 93% saturation was reached, and it could have been life-threatening. The left lung of the patient was collapsing," he said.

He was diagnosed with left-side hydro-pneumothorax, and an emergency intercostal tube drainage procedure was performed to release the trapped air. Following the intervention, the patient's condition stabilised, and he is now recovering well, Kumar added.