Atelectasis is defined as a state in which the lung, in whole or in part, is collapsed or without air. It is a condition where the alveoli are deflated, as distinct from pulmonary consolidation.
Causes:
Causes:
Risk factors for atelectasis include anesthesia, prolonged bed rest with few changes in position, shallow breathing, and underlying lung diseases. Mucus that plugs the airway, foreign objects (common in children) in the airway, and tumors that obstruct the airway may lead to atelectasis.
In an adult, small regions of atelectasis are usually not life-threatening. Unaffected parts of the lung can compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. Large-scale atelectasis may be life-threatening, especially in someone who has another lung disease or illness. In a baby or small child, lung collapse due to a mucus obstruction or other causes can be life-threatening. Massive atelectasis may result in the collapse of a lung. Smokers and the elderly are at an increased risk.
Symptoms:
Cough, but not prominent, chest pain (rare), breathing difficulty, low oxygen saturation, fever--debatable; no evidence to support this, although it is widely accepted, pleural effusion (transudate type), cyanosis (late sign), increased heart rate etc.
Treatment:
In an adult, small regions of atelectasis are usually not life-threatening. Unaffected parts of the lung can compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. Large-scale atelectasis may be life-threatening, especially in someone who has another lung disease or illness. In a baby or small child, lung collapse due to a mucus obstruction or other causes can be life-threatening. Massive atelectasis may result in the collapse of a lung. Smokers and the elderly are at an increased risk.
Symptoms:
Cough, but not prominent, chest pain (rare), breathing difficulty, low oxygen saturation, fever--debatable; no evidence to support this, although it is widely accepted, pleural effusion (transudate type), cyanosis (late sign), increased heart rate etc.
Treatment:
Post-surgical atelectasis is treated by physiotherapy, focusing on deep breathing and encouraging coughing. An incentive spirometer is often used as part of the breathing exercises. Ambulation is also highly encouraged to improve lung inflation. The primary treatment for acute massive atelectasis is correction of the underlying cause. A blockage that cannot be removed by coughing or by suctioning the airways often can be removed by bronchoscopy. Antibiotics are given for an infection. Chronic atelectasis often is treated with antibiotics because infection is almost inevitable. If a tumor is blocking the airway, relieving the obstruction by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or laser therapy may prevent atelectasis from progressing and recurrent obstructive pneumonia from developing.
No comments:
Post a Comment