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Atelectasis Causes and Risks:
Secretions which plug the airway, foreign objects in the airway (common in children), and pressure by tumor are causes of
atelectasis. Anesthesia, prolonged bedrest with shallow breathing , and underlying lung diseases are risk factors.
In an adult, atelectasis is usually not life threatening, because unaffected parts of the lung compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. 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.
Prevention:
Keep small objects out of the reach of young children. Maintain deep breathing after anesthesia and in those bedridden for long periods.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
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 foreign object, if present, by bronchoscopy
- deep breathing exercises
- 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
Prognosis:
The collapsed lung usually reinflates gradually once the obstruction has been removed, although some residual scarring or damage may be present.
Complications:
Pneumonia may develop rapidly after atelectasis.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate atelectasis may be present.
Bronchoscopy is a surgical technique for viewing the interior of the airways. Using sophisticated flexible fiber optic instruments, surgeons are able to explore the trachea, main stem bronchi, and some of the small bronchi. In children, this procedure may be used to remove foreign objects that have been inhaled. In adults, the procedure is most often used to take samples of (biopsy) suspicious lesions and for culturing specific areas in the lung.
This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
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