Atelactasis: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Atelactasis?

Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of the air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It may occur in a portion of the lung, or in the entire lung preventing the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Normally, oxygen enters the body through the lungs and is exchanged with carbon dioxide in the alveoli. The lungs expand and contract to create the exchange of these gases.
Atelectasis is not a disease, but a condition or sign that results from disease or abnormalities in the lungs.

Recovery Time

The collapsed lung usually re-inflates gradually once the obstruction has been removed. However, some residual scarring or damage may occur.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This may include listening to your lungs for changes in the normal sounds.Tests may include:
  • X-ray or CT scan
  • Bronchoscopy

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is atelectasis?
Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of the air sacs in the lungs called alveoli.

2. What are the symptoms of atelectasis?
Symptoms occur, if a large area has collapsed. These include rapid breathing, short of breath (dyspnea) or taking shallow breaths leading to coughing. There could be mild fever, Rapid heart rate, Chest pain, blueness of the lips or nails or wheezing.

3. How does atelectasis occur?
Normally, oxygen enters the body through the lungs and is exchanged with carbon dioxide in the alveoli. The lungs expand and contract to create the exchange of these gases. Atelectasis is not a disease, but a condition or sign that results from disease or abnormalities in the lungs. It may occur in a portion of the lung, or in the entire lung preventing the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

4. What to do when one is suffering from this disease?
One shall encourage movement and deep breathing in anyone who is bedridden for long periods. Position the body so that head is lower than your chest (called postural drainage). This allows mucus to drain better from the bottom of your lungs. Encourage coughing. Clap (percussion) on the chest can be done to loosen mucus plugs in the airway. Change positions often if on bed rest; shifting to a different position can help promote drainage of mucus in the lungs. Take several deep breaths every hour to help expand your lungs and treat atelectasis.

5. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall consult a doctor if one has breathing difficulty or shortness of breath or Fever or Chest pain or severe cough and wheezing. Blueness or cyanosis of the skin requires immediate attention.




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