What Is Atelectasis? - NHLBI, NIH Share this page from the NHLBI on Blogger. Share this page from the NHLBI on Buzz. Share this page from the NHLBI on Delicious. Share this page from the NHLBI on Digg. Share this page from the NHLBI on Facebook. Add this link to the NHLBI to my browser. Email this page with Gmail. Bookmark this page with Google. Share this page from the NHLBI on LinkedIn. Share this page from the NHLBI on Messenger. Share this page from the NHLBI on MySpace. Share this page from the NHLBI on Reddit. Share this page from the NHLBI on Stumble. Share this page from the NHLBI on Tumblr. Share this page from the NHLBI on Twitter. What Is Atelectasis? Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a condition in which one or more areas of your lungs collapse or don't inflate properly. If only a small area or a few small areas of the lungs are affected, you may have no signs or symptoms. If a large area or several large areas of the lungs are affected, they may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to your blood.

This can cause symptoms and complications. Overview To understand atelectasis, it helps to understand how the lungs work . Your lungs are organs in your chest that allow your body to take in oxygen from the air. They also help remove carbon dioxide (a waste gas that can be toxic) from your body. When you breathe, air passes through your nose and mouth into your windpipe. The air then travels to your lungs' air sacs. These sacs are called alveoli (al-VEE-uhl-eye). Small blood vessels called capillaries run through the walls of the air sacs. When air reaches the air sacs, the oxygen in the air passes through the air sac walls into the blood in the capillaries. At the same time, carbon dioxide moves from the capillaries into the air sacs. This process is called gas exchange. The air sacs must remain open and filled with air for this process to work right. Surfactant (sur-FAK-tant), a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs, helps the air sacs stay open. Deep breathing and coughing also help keep the air sacs open.

(Coughing helps clear mucus and other substances from your airways.) In atelectasis, part of the lung collapses or doesn't inflate. The air sacs in that part of the lung are no longer filled with air. As a result, they can't take part in gas exchange. If only a small area or a few small areas of the lungs are affected, you may have no signs or symptoms. This is because the rest of the lung can bring in enough oxygen to make up for the collapsed part of the lung. If atelectasis affects a large area or several large areas of the lungs, your body's organs and tissues may not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Conditions and factors that keep the lungs from properly expanding and filling with air can cause atelectasis. For example, atelectasis is very common after surgery. The medicine used during surgery to temporarily put you to sleep can decrease or stop your normal effort to breathe and urge to cough. Sometimes, especially after chest or abdominal surgery, pain may keep you from wanting to take deep breaths. As a result, part of your lungs may collapse or not inflate right. Outlook The outlook for atelectasis depends on its cause. In adults, atelectasis often is short term.

The collapsed air sacs slowly refill with air once the cause of the atelectasis is resolved. If atelectasis persists, it may prevent the lung from properly clearing mucus. This can lead to infections (such as pneumonia ). Atelectasis usually isn't life threatening. However, if it affects a large area of the lungs—especially in a baby, small child, or someone who has another lung disease or illness—it can be fatal if not treated quickly. Rate This Content: Atelectasis - Lung and Airway Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version Lung and Airway Disorders Find information on medical topics, symptoms, drugs, procedures, news and more, written in everyday language. * This is the Consumer Version. * Medical News Atelectasis ˌat-ᵊl-ˈek-tə-səs By Başak Çoruh, MD, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington ; Alexander S. Niven, MD, Pulmonary / Critical Care Division, University of Washington Atelectasis is a condition in which all or part of a lung becomes airless and collapses. Blockage of the bronchial tubes is a common cause of atelectasis.

Shortness of breath can develop if oxygen levels are low or pneumonia occurs Chest x-ray is used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may involve making sure deep breathing occurs, relieving airway blockages, or both. The main function of the lungs is to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream from the atmosphere and to expel carbon dioxide from the blood into the exhaled breath (gas exchange—see see Figure: Gas Exchange Between Alveolar Spaces and Capillaries ). For gas exchange to occur, the small air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) must remain open and filled with air. Alveoli are kept open by the elastic structure of the lung and by a liquid lining called surfactant. Surfactant counters the natural tendency of the alveoli to close (collapse). Periodic deep breaths, which people take unconsciously, and coughing also help keep alveoli open. Coughing expels any mucus or other secretions that could block the airways leading to the alveoli. If the alveoli are closed for any reason, they cannot participate in gas exchange. The more alveoli that are closed, the less gas exchange occurs.

Accordingly, atelectasis can decrease the level of oxygen in the blood. The body compensates for a small amount of atelectasis by closing off (constricting) the blood vessels in the affected area. This constriction redirects blood flow to alveoli that are open so that gas exchange can occur. Causes A common cause of atelectasis is a blockage of one of the tubes (bronchi) that branch off from the trachea (windpipe) and lead to the lung tissue. The blockage may be caused by something inside the bronchus, such as a plug of mucus, a tumor, or an inhaled foreign object (such as a coin, a piece of food, or a toy). Alternatively, the bronchus may be blocked by something pressing from the outside, such as a tumor or an enlarged lymph node. Blockage from the outside can also occur if the pleural space (the space outside of the lung but inside of the chest) contains a large amount of fluid (pleural effusion) or air (pneumothorax—see Pneumothorax ).

When a bronchus or a smaller airway (bronchiole) becomes blocked, the air in the alveoli beyond the blockage is absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the alveoli to shrink and collapse. The area of collapsed lung may become infected because bacteria and white blood cells can build up behind (to the inside of) the blockage. Infection is particularly likely if atelectasis persists for several days or more. If atelectasis persists for months, the lung may not easily re-expand. Any condition that decreases deep breathing or suppresses a person’s ability to cough can cause or contribute to atelectasis. Large doses of opioids or sedatives can decrease deep breathing. Atelectasis is common after general anesthesia, which temporarily suppresses a person’s cough and drive to breathe. Atelectasis is particularly common after chest or abdominal surgery because the effects of receiving general anesthesia may be added to the pain of deep breathing, so people take only small, shallow breaths. Chest or abdominal pain due to other causes (for example, due to injury or pneumonia) also makes taking a deep breath painful.

Certain neurologic conditions, immobility, and chest deformities can limit chest movement and thus decrease deep breathing, as can abdominal swelling. People who are very overweight or obese are also at greater risk of developing atelectasis. Did You Know... Taking deep breaths after surgery can help prevent atelectasis. People who smoke can decrease their risk of atelectasis after surgery by stopping smoking, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before the surgery. Symptoms Atelectasis itself does not cause any symptoms except sometimes shortness of breath. The presence and severity of shortness of breath depend on how rapidly atelectasis develops and how much of the lung is affected. If atelectasis involves a small number of alveoli or develops slowly, symptoms may be mild or not even noticed. If a large number of alveoli are affected, particularly if atelectasis occurs rapidly, shortness of breath may be severe. The heart rate and breathing rate may increase, and sometimes the person may look bluish (a condition called cyanosis) because oxygen levels in the blood are low.

Symptoms may also reflect the disorder that caused atelectasis (for example, chest pain due to an injury) or a disorder that results from atelectasis (for example, chest pain with deep breathing, due to pneumonia). Diagnosis Doctors suspect atelectasis based on a person’s symptoms, the physical examination findings, and the setting in which the symptoms occurred. A chest x-ray that shows the airless area confirms the diagnosis. Sometimes computed tomography (CT), bronchoscopy (inserting a viewing tube into the bronchus), or both may be done to find the cause. Prevention People who smoke can decrease their risk of atelectasis after surgery by stopping smoking, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before surgery. After surgery, people are encouraged to breathe deeply, cough regularly, and move about as soon as possible. The use of devices to encourage voluntary deep breathing (incentive spirometry) and certain exercises, including changing position to increase the drainage of lung mucus and other secretions, may help prevent atelectasis. Atelectasis may be prevented by making sure deep breathing occurs. Whenever possible, conditions that cause shallow breathing for long periods should be treated.

Treatment Treatment of atelectasis may involve making sure deep breathing occurs, relieving airway blockages, or both. Sometimes blockages can be relieved when a patient’s airway is suctioned by a health care practitioner. A blockage that cannot be removed by suctioning may require removal by bronchoscopy (see Bronchoscopy ). Sometimes other methods are necessary. For example, if a tumor is blocking an airway, the obstruction can sometimes be relieved by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or laser therapy. If mucus is plugging the airways, doctors sometimes give drugs to try to thin the mucus or open the airways. Symptoms and complications of atelectasis may require treatment. People may require supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, or, rarely, insertion of a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) and mechanical ventilation. In continuous positive airway pressure, breathing is assisted by delivery of air or a mixture of air and oxygen through a face mask under continuous pressure, even during exhalation, to prevent the lungs from collapsing. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics are frequently given.

Resources In This Article Atelectasis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Chest x-ray Treatment The goal of treatment is to re-expand the collapsed lung tissue. If fluid is putting pressure on the lung, removing the fluid may allow the lung to expand. Treatments for atelectasis include one or more of the following: Clap ( percussion ) on the chest to loosen mucus plugs in the airway Perform deep breathing exercises (with the help of incentive spirometry devices) Remove or relieve any blockage in the airways by bronchoscopy . Tilt the person so the head is lower than the chest (called postural drainage). This allows mucus to drain more easily. Treat a tumor or other condition, if there is one Turn the person to lie on the healthy side, allowing the collapsed area of lung to re-expand Use aerosolized respiratory treatments (inhaled medications) to open the airway Use other devices that help increase positive pressure in the airways and clear fluids (positive expiratory pressure [PEP] devices) Outlook (Prognosis) In an adult, atelectasis in a small area of the lung is usually not life threatening.

The rest of the lung can make up for the collapsed area, bringing in enough oxygen for the body to function. Large areas of atelectasis may be life threatening, especially in a baby or small child, or in someone who has another lung disease or illness. The collapsed lung usually reinflates slowly if the airway blockage has been removed. Scarring or damage may remain. The outlook depends on the underlying disease. For example, people with extensive cancer have a poor prognosis, while patients with simple atelectasis after surgery have a good prognosis. Possible Complications Pneumonia may develop quickly after atelectasis in the affected part of the lung. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider right away if you develop symptoms of atelectasis. Prevention Encourage movement and deep breathing in anyone who is bedridden for long periods. Keep small objects out of the reach of young children. Maintain deep breathing after anesthesia. Alternative Names Atelectasis - Definition, Causes and Treatment Atelectasis We often see the term “atelectasis” on chest film results, yet little do people really know about it. This article aims to enlighten us and give us more information and insights regarding that matter.

What is Atelectasis? Atelectasis comes from the Greek words ateles and ektasis with the literal meaning “incomplete expansion”. It pertains to collapse, either complete or partial, of the lung, which may subsequently cause decreased volume and diminished gas exchange. [1, 2, 3] An image representing Atelectasis, or collapsed lung. Source: scripps.org Understanding Atelectasis In a normal lung, air is breathed in and travelled to the air sacs (alveoli), where it transcends to the blood through the capillaries. These alveoli remain open and filled with air during respiration to facilitate adequate gas exchange. However, during atelectasis, the lung, or a part of it, collapses. A number of air sacs do not inflate, unable to do their function and fill with air. If only a small part of the lung is affected, clinical manifestations may not be noted, and the rest of the lung can provide enough oxygen to compensate. But if this affects a major percentage of the lungs, the whole body may not acquire sufficient oxygen, a state detrimental for us humans.

[ 4, 5, 6] An illustration showing the normal lung: Air when inhaled travels from the nose to the lungs, it traverses the circulation by passing through alveoli or the air sacs. Source: healthtap.com The normal and the atelectatic lungs: in comparison. With volume decreased in the collapse lungs, sufficient gas exchange may not be feasible. Source: asbestos.com Atelectatic Lung Types A frequent respiratory pathology, atelectasis may be brought about by different mechanisms and is classified into numerous types. [7, 8, 9, 10] 1. Resorptive Atelectasis This type of atelectasis is mainly due to resorption of gas found on the alvoeli distal to the obstruction. In the early phases of which, blood circulation continues, the oxygen and nitrogen gases are thus absorbed. Air present distal to the obstruction is absorbed, en route to the pulmonary circulation, causing nonventilated alveoli to collapse. It is common among those patients with mucus plug blockages. This image exemplifies resorptive atelectasis, in which an obstruction blocks the normal gas exchange.

Air distal to the blockage causes collapse and atelectasis of the lung. Source: quizlet.com 2. Adhesive Atelectasis Surfactant, a substance produced by the lung to reduce surface tension, is lacking. Its loss causes the lungs to collapse and become atelectatic. This is best exemplified by the respiratory distress syndrome among newborns (hyaline membrane disease), but can also be seen among adults in cases of simple pneumothorax, hypoventilation, diaphragmatic dysfunction, pulmonary embolism, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. This chest xray film shows adhesive atelectasis in a patient with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Deficiency in surfactant brought about collapse and atelectasis. Source: meddean.luc.edu This illustrates Hyaline Membrane Disease and the alveolar collapse due to lack of surfactant. Source: drugline.org An xray film of a newborn with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: note the lung collapse, a type of adhesive atelectasis. Source: medicine.cmu.ac.th 3.

Compressive/ Relaxation Atelectasis Usually seen in tension pneumothorax, pleural effusion, abdominal distention and intrathoracic lesions, this occurs when pleural pressure seizes the lungs, keeping it near the chest wall. As the pressure disappears, the lung eventually recoils, causing atelectasis. This is also coined as passive atelectasis. This image shows compression or relaxation atelectasis, as demonstrated by a patient with pleural effusion. Source: quizlet.com 4. Contraction/Cicatricial Atelectasis This is usually encountered in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrotic changes in the lung or pleura inhibit expansion of the lungs. Alveoli get shut in by the scar, causing atelectasis. The photo depicts fibrotic changes in the lung causing lung collapse and atelectasis, particularly the contraction or cicatricial type. Source: medicinembbs.blogspot.com Narcotics and sedatives Atelectasis: Signs and Symptoms As stated previously, atelectasis may or may not be manifested. Small areas of collapse maybe surmounted by the larger areas with normal gas exchange, thus no signs and symptoms would be visible.

Larger lung collapses diminish the oxygen supply throughout the body, causing a number of clinical manifestations, such as tachypnea, difficulty of breathing, shortness of breath, frequent coughing bouts, fever, tachycardia, chest pain and cyanosis. Upon physical examination, decreased breath sounds may be noted on auscultation, along with dullness upon percussion. [ 1, 8, 11] Atelectasis: Clues to Its Diagnosis After a comprehensive history and physical examination, diagnostics are to be done for confirmation of the diagnosis of atelectasis. 1. Chest xray films Chest radiographic findings include airless appearing part of the lungs. The trachea and heart shifts towards the affected lung. There may even be elevation of the diaphragm, a narrowed space interval among the ribs, and movement of the oblique fissures. This diagnostic procedure can also identify the presence of obstruction and of underlying lung conditions such as pneumonia. A number of radiologic signs specific for atelectasis may also be seen [5, 7, 12, 13]. Bowing Sign The oblique fissure of the lung bends over, as seen in the lateral view.

This is usually seen in the left upper lung atelectasis. The arrow shows bowing forward of the fissure (Bowing sign), in a lateral view xray of a patient with atelectasis. Source: meddean.luc.edu Double Lesion Sign First described by Felson, it involves atelectasis of the right upper and right lower lung fields, but spares the right middle lung. When present, primary bronchogenic carcinoma can be ruled out. Golden S Sign This upper lobe collapse is usually caused by a centrally located mass. Either S shaped curve or a reverse S shaped contour can be observed in the film. An S shaped curve in seen in a patient with upper lobe atelectasis Source: quizlet.com Open Bronchus Sign This can usually be seen in an adhesive atelectasis. An obstruction completely blocks a middle bronchus. On the other hand, the bronchi within the opacified lung are open; hence the term. An open bronchus sign in the presence of adhesive atelectasis. Source: quizlet.com 2. Chest CT scan This is done for further evaluation of a possible atelectasis. It can identify not only tumors, but even enlarged lymph nodes as causes of obstruction.

[5] 3. Bronchoscopy Flexible bronchoscopy can be utilized as both a diagnostic and therapeutic method. It identifies the cause of obstruction and helps clear the blockages for immediate relief. [2] Treatment The main goal in the treatment of atelectasis is the re-expansion of the collapsed lung. This can be done according to etiology. Tumors can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Foreign body and mucosal obstruction can be relieved by bronchoscopy and drainage. [2, 5] Other treatment methodologies include chest physiotherapy and medications such as inhaled bronchodilators, steroids and acetylcysteine [8]. Deep breathing exercises and Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) devices can also be used [14]. Prognosis Small areas of atelectasis are usually not dangerous. The remaining parts of the lung, which is normal and adequately functioning, may compensate and provide for the collapsed part. Thus, supply enough oxygen for the whole body. [14, 15] Large areas of atelectasis, on the other hand, may be dangerous, with the prognosis depending on the underlying illnesses.

Those with life threatening carcinomas may have worse prognosis than those with simple post-operative atelectasis. [ 6, 15] 1. 2. Madappa, T. et al. Atelectasis. 2012 March. 3. Wedding, M. et al.(2005). Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach. Philadelphia, Pa: FA Davis Company. 4. 5. Eldridge, L. Atelectasis. 2012 Oct. 6. 7. 8. 9. Woodring, J. et al. Types and Mechanisms of Pulmonary Atelectasis. Journal of Thoracic Imaging. 1996. 10. Atelectasis Causes - Mayo Clinic By Mayo Clinic Staff Atelectasis may be the result of a blocked airway (obstructive) or of pressure from outside the lung (nonobstructive). Almost everyone who has surgery has some atelectasis from anesthesia. Anesthesia changes your regular pattern of breathing and the absorption of gases and pressures, which may combine to cause some degree of collapse of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. Atelectasis is particularly prominent after heart bypass surgery.

Obstructive atelectasis may be caused by: Mucus plug. Accumulation of mucus in your airways, often occurring during and after surgery because you can't cough, is a common cause of atelectasis. Drugs given during surgery make the lungs inflate less fully than usual, so normal secretions collect in the airways. Suctioning the lungs during surgery helps clear away these secretions, but they may continue to build up afterward. Mucus plugs also are common in children, people with cystic fibrosis and during severe asthma attacks. Foreign body. Atelectasis is common in children who have inhaled an object, such as a peanut or small toy part, into their lungs. Narrowing of major airways from disease. Chronic infections, including fungal infections, tuberculosis and other diseases, can scar and constrict major airways. Tumor in a major airway. An abnormal growth can narrow the airway. Blood clot. This occurs only if there's significant bleeding into the lungs that can't be coughed out. Possible causes of nonobstructive atelectasis include: Injury.

Chest trauma — from a fall or car accident, for example — can cause you to avoid taking deep breaths (due to the pain), which can result in compression of your lungs. Pleural effusion. This is a buildup of fluid between the tissues (pleura) that line the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. Pneumonia. Different types of pneumonia, an infection of your lungs, may temporarily cause atelectasis. Pneumothorax. Air leaks into the space between your lungs and chest wall, indirectly causing some or all of a lung to collapse. Scarring of lung tissue. Scarring could be caused by injury, lung disease or surgery. In these rare cases, the atelectasis is minor compared with the damage to the lung tissue from the scarring. Tumor. A large tumor can press against and deflate the lung, as opposed to blocking the air passages. Duggana M, et al. Atelectasis in the perioperative patient. Current Opinions in Anaesthesiology. 2007;20:37. Conde MV, et al. Overview of the management of postoperative pulmonary complications. Accessed April 3, 2015.

Goldman L, et al. Bronchiectasis, atelectasis, cysts, and localized lung disorders. In: Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed April 3, 2015. Smetana GW, et al. Strategies to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. Accessed April 3, 2015. AskMayoExpert. Perioperative medicine-pulmonary management. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. What is atelectasis? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. #. Accessed April 3, 2015. Stark P, et al. Atelectasis: Types and pathogenesis in adults. Accessed April 3, 2015. Finder JD. Atelectasis in children. Accessed April 3, 2015. Questions are the answer: Do you know the right questions to ask? Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Accessed May 28, 2015. Ferri FF. Atelectasis.

In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2015. Accessed May 28, 2015. Bronchiectasis and atelectasis. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed May 29, 2015. Products and Services Atelectasis - National Library of Medicine - PubMed Health Applying positive pressure at the end of each breath during anaesthesia for prevention of mortality and postoperative pulmonary complications We reviewed the evidence on the effects of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) during general anaesthesia in adult patients 16 years of age and older. The use of incentive spirometry for preventing pulmonary complications in adults people undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery Breathing complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery increases hospital stay and is with associated high healthcare costs. CABG may interfere with the lungs, causing sections of them to collapse which may lead to pneumonia. Re‐inflating areas of the collapsed lung may be done by a device ‐ an incentive spirometer ‐ that reinforces a pattern of breathing which prevents and reverses the process.

This device is used alone or in combination with other physiotherapy techniques. Incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery Previous studies have suggested that between 17% and 88% of people having surgery on the upper abdomen will suffer complications that affect their lungs after the operation (postoperative pulmonary complications). The lung volume tends to fall after such surgeries. These complications can be made less likely and less severe with the careful use of treatments designed to encourage breathing in (inspiration) and thus increasing the volume of the lungs, as these volumes tend to fall after such surgeries. Incentive spirometers are mechanical devices developed to help people take long, deep, and slow breaths to increase lung inflation. See all (51) Summaries for consumers Applying positive pressure at the end of each breath during anaesthesia for prevention of mortality and postoperative pulmonary complications We reviewed the evidence on the effects of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) during general anaesthesia in adult patients 16 years of age and older.

The use of incentive spirometry for preventing pulmonary complications in adults people undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery Breathing complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery increases hospital stay and is with associated high healthcare costs. CABG may interfere with the lungs, causing sections of them to collapse which may lead to pneumonia. Re‐inflating areas of the collapsed lung may be done by a device ‐ an incentive spirometer ‐ that reinforces a pattern of breathing which prevents and reverses the process. This device is used alone or in combination with other physiotherapy techniques. Incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery Previous studies have suggested that between 17% and 88% of people having surgery on the upper abdomen will suffer complications that affect their lungs after the operation (postoperative pulmonary complications). The lung volume tends to fall after such surgeries. These complications can be made less likely and less severe with the careful use of treatments designed to encourage breathing in (inspiration) and thus increasing the volume of the lungs, as these volumes tend to fall after such surgeries. Incentive spirometers are mechanical devices developed to help people take long, deep, and slow breaths to increase lung inflation.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Atelectasis? - NHLBI, NIH What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Atelectasis? Explore Atelectasis Share this page from the NHLBI on Blogger. Share this page from the NHLBI on Buzz. Share this page from the NHLBI on Delicious. Share this page from the NHLBI on Digg. Share this page from the NHLBI on Facebook. Add this link to the NHLBI to my browser. Email this page with Gmail. Bookmark this page with Google. Share this page from the NHLBI on LinkedIn. Share this page from the NHLBI on Messenger. Share this page from the NHLBI on MySpace. Share this page from the NHLBI on Reddit. Share this page from the NHLBI on Stumble. Share this page from the NHLBI on Tumblr. Share this page from the NHLBI on Twitter. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Atelectasis? Atelectasis likely won't cause signs or symptoms if it only affects a small area of lung. If atelectasis affects a large area of lung, especially if it occurs suddenly, it may cause a low level of oxygen in your blood. As a result, you may feel short of breath.

Your heart rate and breathing rate may increase, and your skin and lips may turn blue. Other symptoms might be related to the underlying cause of the atelectasis (for example, chest pain due to surgery). If your child has atelectasis, you may notice that he or she seems agitated, anxious, or scared. Rate This Content: Collapsed Lung (Atelectasis) - Cedars-Sinai Collapsed Lung (Atelectasis) Print The lungs are like a pair of balloons inside the chest that fill up with air and then relax to let air leave the body. When a blockage occurs in the airway so the lung cannot fill up with air or if a hole or weakened place develops in the lung allowing air to escape, the lung can collapse like a balloon that has lost its air. Symptoms Symptoms of a collapsed lung vary.

They may include: Falling oxygen levels in the blood, which causes the person to look bluish or ashen and can bring on abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Fever if an infection is present Rapid, shallow breathing Sharp pain on the affected side, if the symptoms are severe and the blockage occurred quickly Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure and a rapid heart rate Shortness of breath, which can be sudden and extreme in severe cases If the blockages happen slowly, there may be few or no symptoms. Those that do occur may include shortness of breath, an increased heart rate or a hacking cough that does not seem to go away. Causes and Risk Factors A collapsed lung is often the result of pressure on an airway from outside - a swollen lymph node or fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest wall, for example - can also cause a lung to collapse. When the airway is blocked, the blood absorbs the air inside the air sacs (alveoli). Without more air, the sac shrinks. The space where the lung was before the collapse fills up with blood cells, fluids and mucus. It may then become infected.

Other factors can lead to a collapsed lung include: A plug of mucus, a tumor or something breathed into the lungs. Abdominal swelling Experiencing high speeds, such as being a fighter jet pilot Injuries, such as from a car accident, a fall or a stabbing Lack of the liquid (surfactant) that coats the lining of the alveoli, which helps keep it from collapsing. This can happen in premature babies or in adults who have had too much oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Large doses of opioids or sedatives Lying immobilized in bed Scarring and shrinking of the membranes that cover the lungs and line the inside of the chest, which can occur as a result of exposure to asbestos Smoking Preventing a collapsed lung is as important as treating one. These help avoid a collapsed lung: Patients who smoke should stop six to eight weeks before surgery After surgery, patients should breathe deeply, cough regularly and move about as soon as possible. Certain exercises, such as changing positions to help the lungs drain, or devices to encourage voluntary deep breathing (incentive spirometry) also help. Patients with a deformed chest or nerve condition that causes shallow breathing might need help breathing.

Continuous positive airway pressure delivers oxygen through the nose or a facemask. This ensures the airways do not collapse even during the pause between breaths. Sometimes a mechanical ventilator is needed. Bibasilar Atelectasis | Med Health Daily Tweet on Twitter The lungs are one of the most important organs that exist in the human body. They are absolutely necessary for us to live and thrive. Because of their requirement of human life, there are certain conditions, diseases, and abnormalities that can impact them and also hinder our abilities to breathe enough oxygen One of these conditions that can detriment our body;s ability to breath in is called Bibasilar Atelectasis. Bibasilar Atelectasis happens when one of the parts of the lung do not inflate or deflate properly. Although it can occur with no known causes, direct chest trauma and surgery are often the most common cause of this disorder. Bibasilar Atelectasis: What is it? This condition can also affect either the right or left part of the lungs. In order to better understand it, you need to be more familiar with its various causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Bibasilar Atelectasis is the name given to the condition when a prolapse of both or one of the lungs occurs. This condition can be acute or chronic, but either way when it happens it complicates and can detriment the body’s ability to get suffice oxygen. To better understand this condition, you must first know about the Lungs! Each human body possesses a single pair of lungs one is located on the right side and one is located on the left side of the chest cavity. There are many important functions of the lungs, however the most important component of the lungs are alveoli (the air sacs contained in the lungs.) These air sacs are totally responsible for transfer of gasses and exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the lungs. When a prolapse or collapse of either lung happens it interferes with the lung’s ability to exchange gases that are necessary for sustenance of life.

Bibasilar Atelectasis: The Symptoms and Signs Such as other diseases and symptoms of lung conditions- some of the symptoms can coincide with other diseases and health threats so be sure to note that not all people that experience the following signs have Bibasilar Atelectasis but it is worth a look and further consultation with your physician if you experience: Persistent cough Difficulty in breathing Bibasilar Atelectasis: Causes Bibasilar Atelectasis commonly occurs when the airways are compromised or blocked. During surgery where anesthesia is used it almost always slows the exchange of gases in the alveoli of the lungs. This is where the lungs are more proned to prolapse and collapse The other reasons for an obstruction in the lungs (obstructive atelectasis) include: Mucus plug: During surgery, the drugs injected into the patient cause the lungs to have decreased inflation, prompting the mucus to collect in the airways. An ordinary, medical practice of suction of the lungs helps curb this situation; though, the mucus may keep developing afterwards. This is one of the reasons doctors suggest deep breathing exercises during recovery. Mucus plugs are also found in people suffering from cystic fibrosis, and asthma.

Tumor: Since a tumor is already an obstruction, it can cause atelectasis. Diseases & Compromised Airway: Diseases, like tuberculosis and fungal infection, can give rise to scarring in the lungs which constricts the airways. Blood clots: Suffering from severe physical trauma can cause blood to spill out inside the lungs, which, sometimes can’t be coughed out Bibasilar Atelectasis: The Complications that Can Happen Bibasilar Atelectasis can arise many complications which can severely impact health and even become life threatening. Pneumonia: Plugs and clumps of mucus can effect the lungs in a negative way after this condition has occurred. With this excess of mucus it can cause pneumonia bacteria to flourish and grow. Respiratory failure: Bibasilar Atelectasis can be treated pretty simple when it only impacts a small region of the lung, However, if it does impact a large portion or is apparent in a senior or small child it can lead to respiratory failure which in some cases can prove fatal or cause death. Low blood oxygen (hypoxemia): Hypoxemia happens when the Alveoli cannot exchange gasses properly.

Lung scarring: In most cases once a lung has collapsed it has to be re-inflated manually. The damage done by this condition and treatment of often causes lung scarring which can also result in further breathing difficulties and lung conditions. Note: Consult with a medical professional immediately if you are experiencing these types of problems and cannot breathe adequately. Bibasilar Atelectasis: Diagnosis and Treatment The most popular way that physicians diagnose bibasilar atelectasis is to get an X-ray of the lungs which can show the obstruction and where the airways of the lungs gave prolapsed/collapsed. But, if an X-ray does not firmly help the doctor to find out what is happening he/she may use other means to test and scan for this condition such as CY scan, MRI. ultrasound, and more. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor will decide the best course of treatment which can range from removing tumors, an obstruction, and more. They may recommend breathing treatments as well as respiratory therapy and also combat infections and further complications by prescribing a course of antibiotic medications. TAGS

Question: In humans, atelectasis affects which part of the body?
Answer: Lungs