|
|
|
|
|
| Definition: |
The collapse of part or all of a lung by blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles), or by very shallow breathing. See also pneumothorax.
|
| Alternative Names: |
Partial lung collapse
|
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
| Anesthesia, prolonged bedrest with few changes in position and shallow breathing, and underlying lung diseases are risk factors. Secretions that plug the airway, foreign objects in the airway (common in children), and tumors are obstruct the airway, leading to atelectasis. In an adult, small regions of atelectasis are usually not life-threatening, because unaffected parts of the lung compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. Large-scale atelectasis, especially in someone who has another lung disease or illness may be life-threatening. In a baby or infant, lung collapse due to a mucus obstruction or other causes can be life-threatening. Massive atelectasis may result in the collapse of a lung. |
| Treatment: |
The goal of treatment is to remove pulmonary (lung) secretions and re-expand the affected lung tissue.
The following treatments may be implemented:
- positioning on the unaffected side to allow re-expansion of lung
- removal of the obstruction, if present, by bronchoscopy or another procedure
- deep breathing exercises (incentive spirometry)
- percussion of the chest to loosen secretions (clapping)
- positioning so that secretions drain by gravity where they can be coughed up (postural drainage)
- treatment of tumor or underlying condition, if present
|
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| The collapsed lung usually re-inflates gradually once the obstruction has been removed, although some residual scarring or damage may be present.
|
| Complications: |
| Pneumonia may develop rapidly after atelectasis. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate atelectasis may be present. |
| Prevention: |
| Keep small objects out of the reach of young children. Maintain deep breathing after anesthesia and in those bedridden for long periods. Encourage people who are sick or who have just had an operation not to lie in bed continuously. |
|
|
Review Date: 12/6/2001
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
