Atelectasis
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Atelectasis is defined as a state in which the lung, in whole or in part, is collapsed or without air.Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005 It is a condition where the alveoli are deflated, as distinct from pulmonary consolidation.
Causes
The most common cause is post-surgical atelectasis is splinting, restricted breathing after abdominal surgery. Smokers and the elderly are at an increased risk. Outside of this context, atelectasis implies some blockage of a bronchiole or bronchus, which can be within the airway (foreign body, mucus plug), from the wall (tumor, usually SCC) or compressing from the outside (tumor, lymph node, tubercle).Symptoms
- cough, but not prominent
- chest pain (rare)
- breathing difficulty
- low oxygen saturation
Diagnosis
- chest X-ray
Treatment
As per the underlying cause. Post-surgical atelectasis is treated by physiotherapy, focusing on deep breathing and encouraging coughing. Atelectasis does not require antibiotics. Ambulation is also highly encouraged to improve lung inflation.Footnotes
References
- Gylys, Barbara A. and Mary Ellen Wedding. Medical Terminology Systems. F.A. Davis Company, 2005.
External links
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