overview
Atelectasis Cause Atelectasis occurs due to a blocked airway (obstructive) or from pressure outside the lungs (non-obstructive). General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular breathing rate and influences the gas exchange in the lungs, whereby the air sacs (alveoli) can be emptied. Almost everyone who undergoes major surgery will develop atelectasis. It often occurs after cardiac bypass surgery. Obstructive atelectasis can be caused by many factors including: Mucus blockage. A mucus plug is a build-up of mucus in your airways. This usually happens during and after the surgery because you cannot cough. Drugs given during surgery make you breathe less deeply, causing normal secretions to build up in your airways. Suctioning the lungs during surgery helps flush them out, but sometimes they still build up. Mucus plugs are also common in children, people with cystic fibrosis, and in severe asthma attacks. Foreign body. Atelectasis is common in children who have inhaled an object such as a peanut or a small piece of toy into their lungs. Tumor in the airways. Abnormal growth can narrow the airways. (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or the area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs deflate or eventually fill with alveolar fluid.
- Atelectasis is one of the most common respiratory complications after surgery. It’s also a possible complication of other breathing problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lungs, and difficulty breathing. You can develop atelectasis if you breathe in a foreign object.
- Atelectasis can make breathing difficult, especially if you already have a lung condition. Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the collapse.Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
symptom
There may not be any obvious signs or symptoms of atelectasis. If you have signs and symptoms, these could include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Panting
- to cough
The reasons
Atelectasis occurs due to a blocked airway (obstructive) or from pressure outside the lungs (non-obstructive).
- General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular breathing rate and influences the gas exchange in the lungs, whereby the air sacs (alveoli) can be emptied. Almost everyone who undergoes major surgery will develop atelectasis. It often occurs after cardiac bypass surgery.
Obstructive atelectasis can be caused by many factors, including:
- Mucus plug. A mucus plug is a build-up of mucus in your airways. This usually happens during and after the surgery because you cannot cough. Drugs given during surgery make you breathe less deeply, causing normal secretions to build up in your airways. Suctioning the lungs during surgery helps flush them out, but sometimes they still build up. Mucus plugs are also common in children, people with cystic fibrosis, and in severe asthma attacks.
- Foreign body. Atelectasis is common in children who have inhaled an object such as a peanut or a small piece of toy into their lungs.
- Tumor in the airways. Abnormal growth can narrow the airways.Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad
Risk factors
Factors that increase the likelihood of atelectasis include:
- Older age
- Any condition that makes swallowing difficult
- Confinement to bed with rare changes in position
- Lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis
- Recent abdominal or thoracic surgery
- Recent general anesthesia
prevention
Atelectasis in children is often caused by a blockage in the airways. Keep small items out of the reach of children to reduce the risk of atelectasis.
- In adults, atelectasis most often occurs after major surgery. If you need to have surgery, talk to your doctor about risk reduction strategies. Some research suggests that certain breathing exercises and strength training can reduce the risk of atelectasis after certain surgeries.Atelectasis Treatment Hyderabad