overview
Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. This happens when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs deflate or eventually fill up with alveolar fluid.
- Atelectasis is one of the most common respiratory complications after surgery. It’s also a possible complication of other breathing problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lungs, and difficulty breathing. You can develop atelectasis if you breathe in a foreign object.
- Atelectasis can make breathing difficult, especially if you already have lung disease. Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the collapse.Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
symptom
There may not be any obvious signs or symptoms of atelectasis. If you have signs and symptoms, these could include:Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
- Difficulty breathing
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Panting
- to cough
The reasons
Atelectasis occurs due to a blocked airway (obstructive) or from pressure outside the lungs (non-obstructive).
- General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular breathing rate and influences the gas exchange in the lungs, whereby the air sacs (alveoli) can be emptied. Almost everyone who undergoes major surgery will develop atelectasis. It often occurs after cardiac bypass surgery.Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
Obstructive atelectasis can be caused by many factors, including:
- Mucus plug. A mucus plug is a build-up of mucus in your airways. This usually happens during and after the surgery because you cannot cough. Drugs given during surgery make you breathe less deeply, causing normal secretions to build up in your airways. Suctioning the lungs during surgery helps flush them out, but sometimes they still build up. Mucus plugs are also common in children, people with cystic fibrosis, and in severe asthma attacks.
- Foreign body. Atelectasis is common in children who have inhaled an object like a peanut or a small piece of toy into their lungs.
- Tumor in the airways. Abnormal growth can narrow the airways.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the likelihood of atelectasis include:Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
- Older age
- Any condition that makes swallowing difficult
- Confinement to bed with rare changes in position
- Lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis
- Recent abdominal or thoracic surgery
- Recent general anesthesia
- Respiratory muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, or other neuromuscular disorders
- Medicines that can cause shallow breathing
- Pain or injury that may make coughing painful or cause shallow breathing, including stomach pain or broken ribs
- Smoke
Prevention
Atelectasis in children is often caused by a blockage in the airways. Keep small items out of the reach of children to reduce the risk of atelectasis.Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
- In adults, atelectasis most often occurs after major surgery. If you need to have surgery, talk to your doctor about strategies to reduce your risk. Some research suggests that certain breathing exercises and strength training can reduce the risk of atelectasis after certain surgeries.