ATELECTASIS

What is Atelectasis? Atelectasis is the collapse of part or all of a lung by blockage of the air  passages (bronchus or bronchioles), or by very shallow breathing.

Risk Factors

Some of the common known causes of Atelectasis:

  • Anesthesia
  • Pprolonged bedrest with few changes in position and shallow breathing
  • Underlying lung diseases
  • Secretions that plug the airway
  • Foreign objects in the airway (common in children)
  • Tumors that are obstructing the airway

Is Atelectasis Life-Treatening?

In an adult, small regions of atelectasis are usually not life-threatening, because unaffected parts of the lung compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. Large-scale atelectasis, especially in someone who has another lung disease or illness may be life-threatening.

In a baby or infant, lung collapse due to a mucus obstruction or other causes can be life-threatening. Massive atelectasis may result in the collapse of a lung.

Keep small objects out of the reach of young children. Maintain deep breathing after anesthesia and in those bedridden for long periods. Encourage people who are sick or who have just had an operation not to lie in bed continuously.

What are the Symptoms of Atelectasis?

  • breathing difficulty
  • chest pain
  • cough

How is Atelectasis Diagnosed?

  • a chest X-ray
  • bronchoscopy

How is Atelectasis Treated?

The goal of treatment is to remove pulmonary (lung) secretions and re-expand the affected lung tissue.

The following treatments may be implemented:

  • positioning on the unaffected side to allow re-expansion of lung
  • removal of the obstruction, if present, by bronchoscopy or another procedure
  • deep breathing exercises (incentive spirometry)
  • percussion of the chest to loosen secretions (clapping)
  • positioning so that secretions drain by gravity where they can be
  • coughed up (postural drainage)
  • treatment of tumor or underlying condition, if present
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