Atelectasis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Atelectasis
File:Atelectasia1.jpg
Synonyms	Collapsed lung
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain
Complications	Pneumonia, respiratory failure
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Obstruction of the airways, compression of the lung
Risks	Surgery, smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Diagnosis	Chest X-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Chest physiotherapy, bronchoscopy, surgery
Medication	Bronchodilators, antibiotics
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common, especially in hospitalized patients
Deaths	N/A

Atelectasis refers to the partial or complete collapse of a lung, resulting from the failure of the lung tissue to fully expand. It could be caused by various factors including blocked airways due to a tumor, mucus, or foreign objects; infections such as pneumonia; lung diseases; prolonged bedrest with inadequate breathing; or effects of general anesthesia. The condition, in some cases, is also referred to as a collapsed lung.

File:Thorax mit bds Unterlappen-Atelektase mit Voraufnahme.jpg

Thorax mit bds Unterlappen-Atelektase mit Voraufnahme

Risk Factors

The risk of atelectasis can increase with certain factors or conditions. For instance, premature infants with undeveloped lungs may experience atelectasis due to respiratory distress syndrome. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, sleep apnea, or underlying lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis. The condition is also more likely to occur post-surgery due to the impact of anesthetics on lung function, or because pain can inhibit deep breathing. To mitigate the risk of atelectasis during and after surgery, medical professionals may suggest quitting smoking, engaging in breathing exercises, administering certain medications, or employing breathing devices like a CPAP machine.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Atelectasis may remain asymptomatic if it only involves a small section of the lung. However, if a large portion of the lung is affected, symptoms such as fever, shallow breathing, wheezing, or coughing may manifest. Diagnosis usually involves a chest X-ray, which is the most common method employed. Additional confirmatory tests can include a bronchoscopy or other imaging techniques.

Treatment and Complications

Treatment of atelectasis primarily focuses on re-expanding the collapsed lung tissue. This could involve breathing or coughing exercises, inhaled medications, the use of breathing devices, or in severe cases, surgery. Generally, atelectasis tends to improve with time or appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, if it goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to serious complications like fluid accumulation in the lungs, pneumonia, and even respiratory failure.

External links

• Pulmonology
• Respiratory disease
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Cystic fibrosis