Hi, my name is Kathy and my son was born with a diaphragmatic hernia and it was repaired when he was 4 hrs. old. He had to have bowel surgery when he was seven years old due to scar tissue. Now my son is 15 years old and recently, after a check up for asthma symptoms it was suspected that my son had trapped air in his lungs. Prior x-rays from previous visits (recheck after pneumonia treatment etc.) showed no scar tissue or trapped air. The Dr. could not believe how good my sons lungs looked. So needless to say when we were told of possible trapped air I was in shock. I kept my cool I didn't want to let my son know how nervous I was. He had already been through soo much. I'm trying to keep this as short as possible. So within 2 hrs. we were speaking with a thoraxic surgeon to rule out reoccuring(sp) diaphragmatic hernia and to find out what the dark spaces in my sons lungs were. We got good news then the bad. The diaphragm was fine. But the Dr. said, "afer talking with the radiologist, it looks like your son has what we call, Blebs" the Dr. explained to us that blebs are like little balloons filled with air. I asked how he could have Blebs and the Dr. felt it was due to asthma. Two weeks later we are talking with a Pulmonologist (after ct of chest) and he said the blebs were due to my sons congenital diaphragmatic hernia. My son hasn't been in any pain and the Dr. I guess doesn't feel that the blebs should be removed? I'm just wondering if they burst like the Dr. said could happen wouldn't that be worse than not treating them now?? If anyone can relate to this post (I hope I didn't ramble) any input would be appreciated. I feel like my son has a time bomb in his lungs, just sit and wait?? Second opinion?? I plan on getting one. In the process of changing from an HMO to a PPO. Worried Mom in California

Blebs are a timebomb. As they can burst at any time causing the lung to collapse. It might never happen, but it might happen and reoccur. If a bleb ever bursts in your sons lung, I would strongly recommend a surgery to remove all the blebs. Quick fix procedures such a chest tube fixes the problem but it doesn't prevent other blebs from bursting. Plus your son would have a scar from a chest tube and it is pretty painful. I would not do anything for now but if something happens go for the surgery.

Hi. About the chest tubes...my first chest tube 6 years ago was awful...big...however, my recent lung collapse...they used a chest tube smaller than a straw...I am sorry your son has blebs...I have been surprised and concerned there isn't more information on the subject. I wouldn't fear the possibility of a chest tube to repair a collapsed lung, I would fear the lack of information on how to prevent and/or treat the condition...that doctors are menders, and not healers...good luck...Glenda2