Expert Reveals How Serious Pneumothorax Is Following aespa Winter’s Surgery: ‘It’s Not Easy to Sing’

While aespa Winter is recovering from her surgery, a medical expert discussed the symptoms of pneumothorax and its significant impact on individuals, particularly singers.

aespa Winter Recuperates Following Pneumothorax Surgery

On April 12, SM Entertainment released a statement regarding aespa Winter’s health status, stating:

“Recently, (aespa) Winter has undergone a pneumothorax surgery and is recovering.”

Expert Reveals How Serious Pneumothorax After Winter's Surgery: 'It's Not Easy to Sing' — aespa Winter

The entertainment company stated:

“Since pneumothorax is a disease that is prone to recurrence, we agreed to have surgery as a preemptive measure based on the opinions of the medical staff and after sufficient discussion.”

At the moment, Winter is continuing to recuperate in preparation for her group’s highly-anticipated comeback in May.

Expert Explains Nature of Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, More

On April 18, Professor Lee Hong Gyu, a pneumothorax disease expert and professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, discussed the common causes, symptoms, and preventative measures for the illness, particularly for idols and singers.

According to Professor Lee, pneumothorax is a condition that has the potential to significantly impact one’s quality of life, particularly if it is severe.

“When air leaks or flows in through holes in the surface of the lungs, air or gas accumulates in the pleural space (it is normally empty) which leads to sudden pain chest and difficulty in breathing.”

Lee emphasized:

“If a singer, idol group, or musical actor develops a severe pneumothorax, it will not be easy for them to sing or perform.”

According to the medical expert, pneumothorax is not a common condition among females. It is more likely to occur in women with a thin physique. Additionally, there have been cases where children have inherited the disease from their parents.

“Experts explain that tall, thin people lack fat, which reduces lubricating fluid in the body, exposes the lungs frequently to friction, and creates an environment in which pneumothorax is likely to occur.”

Professor Lee Hong Gyu reiterated the importance of seeking thoracoscopic surgery for SEVERE pneumothorax, as natural absorption treatment may only be effective for milder cases.

Being hospitalized for 2 to 3 days is necessary for this type of surgery. However, it does not significantly affect daily activities. It is recommended to refrain from intense physical activity, heavy lifting, and forceful coughing. Extreme dieting should also be avoided. Lee suggests maintaining a balanced diet instead.

Regularly riding an airplane could potentially increase the likelihood of pneumothorax in certain cases, particularly for individuals who are already displaying symptoms.

Lee recommended that regular checkups be done even after surgery as recurrence is highly probable.