Atelectasis
What is Atelectasis ?
Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is the collapse of a lung or part of a lung, also known as a lobe. It happens when tiny air sacs within the lung, called alveoli, lose air. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing complications after surgery. It’s also a possible complication of other respiratory problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lung and respiratory weakness. You may develop atelectasis if you breathe in a foreign object.
This condition can make breathing hard, particularly if you already have lung disease. Treatment depends on what’s causing the collapse and how severe it is. The definition of atelectasis is broader than pneumothorax (noo-moe-THOR-aks). Pneumothorax is when air leaks into the space between your lungs and chest wall, causing part or all of a lung to collapse. Pneumothorax is one of several causes of atelectasis.
Symptoms
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Rapid breathing
- Skin and lips turning blue
- Wheezing
- Decreased chest expansion
- Reduced breath sounds
Cause
Surgery is the most common cause of atelectasis. When anesthesia is used during surgery to keep you asleep, you don’t breathe deeply enough to fill your lungs all the way or cough to clear your lungs of mucus. This can lead to blockages or lack of air to the alveoli, causing resorptive atelectasis. Other causes of atelectasis include Mucus plug, Inhaled object, Fluid around the lungs, Air around the lungs, Non-cancerous growths, Cancerous tumors, Lung scarring, Underlying illness.
Risk Factors
Factors that make you more likely to get atelectasis include any condition that makes it hard to swallow. Needing to stay in bed over a long time and not having enough changes of position. Lung disease, such as asthma, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis. Recent surgery in the stomach area or chest. Recent general anesthesia. Weak breathing muscles due to muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury or another neuromuscular condition. Medicines that may cause weak breathing. Pain or injury that may make it painful to cough or cause weak breathing, including stomach pain or a broken rib. Smoking.
When to see a Doctor
Always get medical attention right away if you have a hard time breathing. Other conditions besides atelectasis can make it hard to breathe, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If your breathing suddenly becomes difficult, get emergency medical help.