Atelectasis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Atelectasis | |||
| image = [[File:Atelectasia1.jpg]] | |||
| caption = Chest X-ray showing atelectasis of the right lung | |||
| field = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| synonyms = Collapsed lung | |||
| symptoms = [[Difficulty breathing]], [[cough]], [[chest pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Pneumonia]], [[respiratory failure]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| 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 = [[Pneumonia]], [[pleural effusion]], [[pneumothorax]] | |||
| treatment = [[Chest physiotherapy]], [[bronchoscopy]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Bronchodilators]], [[antibiotics]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common, especially in hospitalized patients | |||
}} | |||
[[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. | [[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|thumb|Thorax mit bds Unterlappen-Atelektase mit Voraufnahme]] | [[File:Thorax mit bds Unterlappen-Atelektase mit Voraufnahme.jpg|left|thumb|Thorax mit bds Unterlappen-Atelektase mit Voraufnahme]] | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==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. | 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]]. | 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== | ==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. | 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. | 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 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. | 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. | 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. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 17:17, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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| Atelectasis | |
|---|---|
| |
| 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.
Risk Factors[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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.
References[edit]
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